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STATISTICAL A.CCOIJNT 



City of New-Haven. 



v■:uI.I^:;KD by thl 



Connecticut acaOcm^ of HjctjO? anU ^cienceu* 






NEW-HAVEN, 

:i>-TI,n AMD SOLD BY >yALTER AND STJ^.RI.l' 



i 



STATISTICAL ACCOUNT 



OF THE 



TOWNS AND PARISHES 



IN THE 



STATE OF CONNECTICUT. 



PUBLISHED BY THE 



Connecticut acaDemg of ^xx% anti ^ciencc^, 



VOL. I.-— NO. I. 



i¥' 



NEW-HAVEN, 

PRINTED AND SOLD BY WALTER AND STEELE^ 

1811. 



STATISTICAL ACCOUNT 



OF THE 



CITY OF NEW-HAVEN, 



BY TIMOTHY DWIGHT, 

President of Yale College, 



PREFACE. 



1. HE design of forming a Society, which might combine the 
elTorts of literary men in Connecticut, for the promotion of useful 
knowledge, was suggested early in the year 1799. A few gentlemen 
in New-Haven attended a meeting at an invitation given ; and a 
sketch of the principal objects of such an Association was commu- 
nicated, together with the outline of the proposed Society, which 
was named " The Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences." 

At a meeting on the fourth of March, the gentlemen, who had 
associated, adopted a number of regulations, as bye-laws for their 
government ; and elected a number of gentlemen in various parts 
of the state to be members. At a subsequent meeting, certain fun- 
damental articles were adopted as the Constitution of the Academy, 
by which were prescribed the terms of admission to membership. 
In October following, the Academy, on petition, obtained from the 
legislature an act of incorporation. 

One considerable object proposed by this Association, was to col- 
lect for publication a Statistical Account of the State of Connecticut ; 
and to the accomplishment of this object they have directed their at- 
tention and exertions. On the first of January, 1 800, they addressed 
a circular letter to every town in the state, containing the subjects of 
inquiry arranged under thirty-two distinct heads, and requesting an- 
swers to their inquiries. This letter was printed and distributed. In 
a subsequent address, the Academy urged an attention to the subject 
of those inquiries, and suggested a plan, by which they supposed the 
labor of furnishing correct answers might be greatly facilitated. This 
business is still in progress ; and nearly thirty papers containing an- 
swers to the above-mentioned letter, have been received. 

Some of the accounts received have been collected with great ap- 
parent industry, are well arranged, and very complete. Others are 
very brief and less perfect. NotwithstancRng this latter circum- 



VI. PREFACE. 

Stance^ 'and the tardiness with which these accounts are furnished, 
the Academy have determined to prosecute their design ; and to 
publish statistical accounts of the several tovns, in numbers, as the 
materials shall be supplied. The following Account of New-Haven 
is published first ; as a pledge of the determination of the Academy 
to exert their best endeavors to accomplish the object ; and as a spe- 
cimen of the manner of execution ; and the Academy cannot but 
hope that this example will have its effect, in stimulating the exer- 
tions of gentlemen in other towns, to furnish the means of a com- 
plete statistical account of the state. The Academy are not willing 
to believe, that there are not gentlemen in every town who are com- 
petent to give at least a tolerable history of the township — and they 
■would regret tiiat the history of a single town or society should fail 
to be inserted, for want of materials. 

The following is the circular letter above-mentioned, containing 
Ihe inquiries, to which answers are solicited. 

Kew-IIavev, Jan. 1, 1800. 
SIR, 

THE Ck)NNECTicuT AcAr)r:MY ot Arts and Sciences, desir- 
ous of contributing to the collection and propagation of useful know- 
ledge, and of procuring the materials for a Statistical History of Con- 
necticut, request you to furnish them with every species of informa- 
tion which it may be in your power to obtain ; relative to the Geog- 
raphy, Natural, Civil and Political History, Agriculture, Manufac- 
tures and Commerce of the Stale of Connecticut. Among the arti- 
cles to which the Academy request your attention are the following : 

li/. The history of the settlement of the town or society in which 
you reside — the situation and extent of each — the number of socie- 
ties, school districts and school houses in the town — by what means 
the lands were obtained from the Indians, whether by purchase or 
conquest — the number of l^oreigners, and of what country. 

2cf. The Indian names of places, mountains, rivers, lakes and 
ponds within the town ; also any remarkable occurrences in the his- 
tory of the Indians — their customs, mythology, battles, burying 
places, monuments, forts, and any other traces of their settlement — 
the tribe to which tliey belong — their present number and situation, 
as to subsistence, vices, Sec. 

Zd. The face of the country, in regard to mountains, hills, vallies 
and plains, rocks, stones, clay, sand, nature of the soil — curiosities 



PREFACE. Vllv 

Saiural and ariificlal, antiquities, monumental inscriptions elucidat- 
ing points of history. 

4th. Rivers, streams, springs, (if remarkable,) especially mineral 
and medicinal springs ; lakes and ponds, their sources and uses as to 
mills, navigation, and the production of fish, or the watering of 
lands. — Cataracts or falls. — Wells, their depth on different grounds. 
• — Aqueducts or pipes for conveying water to families — the expense 
by the rod — plenty or scarcity of water for domestic uses — change 
of quality within the present age — failure of streams in consequence 
of clearing the land — increase or decrease of water in springs and 
wells. — Accidents by damps or mephitic air in wells or other places, 
the time and other circumstances attending them. 

5th. Mines and minerals, especially those most useful, as iron, 
copper, lead, silver, sulphur ; also, quarries of stone, with the kind 
and quality of the stone, and its distance from navigable water. 

6th, What was the natural or original growth of timber and wood, 
and what the variations in the species on successive cuttings — wheth- 
er the limber is plenty or scarce, increasing or decreasing, and the 
causes; — the best method of increasing the quantity — the best time 
in the year for falling timber for durability, and wood for fuel. — The 
Bugar maple tree, and the quantity and quality of sugar made — im- 
provements in making and refining it — the best mode of procuring 
the sap without injuring the tree. — Quantity, quality and price of 
lumber of all kinds — distance from navigable water. 

7th. Fuel of all kinds, as wood, coal, peat, or turf — the quantity 
and quality — distance from navigable water — increase or decrease of 
fuel, and price of the several kinds. 

8/A. Furnaces, forges and mills ; — their situation, conveniences 
and quantity of work performed. In particular a description of any 
curious machinery, by which the labor of man is abridged, and the 
operation of the mechanical powers simplified and applied to useful 
purposes. 

9th. Agriculture ; increase or decrease of the price of land, with- 
in the memory of the present generation — price of provisions and 
labor in the several occupations — the kinds of grain cultivated, quan- 
tity of each produced on an acre, and total quantity in a year — quan- 
tity of flour and kiln dried meal exported annually — quantity of 
hemp and flax raised, and the best mode of raising, rotting and dress- 
ing them — the quantity of flax and flax-seed exported — quantity of 
land planted with potatoes, and sown with turnips, rotation of cropas 
best suited to various soils — improvements by means of artificial 



viii. PREFACE. 

grasses, improvements by draining and diking marshes, meadows 
and ponds. 

10//^ Manures; the best for particular soils, and the best time 
and mode of applying them — as stable manure, lime, lime-stone, 
shells, ashes, salt, compost, marl, swamp, creek and sea mud, plais- 
ter of paris, and sea weed — the preparation best suited for particular 
crops — the best means of increasing manures — the effects of irriga- 
tion or watering lands. 

1 \th. The best seed time and harvest time — best time and modes 
of preparing lands for seeding — best modes of extirpating weeds and 
of preserving grains from insects — the effects of a change of seed. 

\2th. INIode of cultivation, whether by oxen or horses — the ex- 
pence, advantages and disadvantages of each. — Number of teams — - 
the number and kinds of waggons, carls, ploughs, harrows, drills, 
winnowing and threshing machines now in use — improvements in 
them, both as to utility and cheapness. — Fences; the materials and. 
mode of erecting them — kinds most used — increase or decrease of 
timber for fencing — the best kinds of trees or shrubs for hedges, and 
the means of propagating them. 

13^/;. Uncommon fruits and garden vegetables, native or import- 
ed the soils on which particular fruits and vegetables best flourish, 

and the best modes of cultivating them — quantity of cider made an- 
nually — fiuantity exported — best mode of making, improving and 
preserving it — best mode oji preserving apples and other fruits dur- 
ing the winter — improvements by ingrafting and inoculation — best 
time and mode of pruning — state of gardening. 

\Ath. Number of tenants on leased lands — quantity of lands leased 
and the rent — the state of cultivation of leased lands compared with 
that in the hands of proprietors. Emigrations from the town or so- 
ciety. The number of persons convicted of capital crimes, and in- 
stances of suicide, within twenty years, or since the town was settled, 
and whether committed by natives or foreigners. The time when 
pleasure carriages were first used. 

\Sth. Number of sheep and swine ; quantity of pork, beef, butter, 
and cheese annually sent to market ; the best mode of multiplying, 
improving, feeding and fattening sheep, swine, neat cattle and hors- 
es ; their diseases, description of them, and the best mode of pre- 
venting and curing them. 

16;/;. Manufactures ; distinguishing the kinds and quantity made 
in families and in manufactories ;^ the market for them. The his- 



PREFACE. IX, 

tory of any useful manufacture, including its increase and declincj 
and the causes. 

nth. Breweries; time of their introduction^ — the kinds and quan- 
tity of beer made. 

laih. Fisheries; the kinds, quantity and value of fish taken ; best 
mode of curing them j the market. The years when shell and other 
fish have been unusually lean or sickly, and when they have declin- 
ed, disappeared, or perished, from causes known or unknown. The 
best modes of multiplying and preserving shell fish. 

\^th. Ship building; its increase or decline — harbors, depth of 
water, direction of the channels, obstructions, land-marks and direc- 
tions for entrance ; the year when the first vessel was built, and the 
progress of trade. The means of facilitating transportation by land 
or water. 

20th. Roads and bridges ; the present state of them, annual ex» 
pense and mode of defraying it ; description of bridges remarkable 
for elegance or utility ; the best mode of securing bridges from the 
effects of frost, floods and sea worms ; the kinds of timber not sub- 
ject to be eaten by sea worms. 

2 \st. Ferries ; their situation, and whether public or private prop- 
crty; the places near them, where bridges may be erected, and 
probably made permanent. 

22rf. Wild animals, now or heretofore known ; their increase or 
decrease, and from what causes ; new species, migration, and natu- 
ral history of birds. 

23t/. Natural history of plants ; their kinds, whether noxious or 
useful ; new species, time of their introduction, their progress ; ef- 
fects of the barberry and other noxious plants, and the best modes of 
extirpating them. 

2ith. Places of public worship ; their number, and the denomina- 
tion to which they belong ; the rise of congregations and various 
sects, the names of the successive clergymen, the time of their set- 
tlement and exit; notices of any eminent clergymen ; the salaries 
of clergymen, and the funds by which religious worship is main- 
tained. 

25th. Academies and schools ; in what manner supported ; num- 
ber of winter and summer schools ; the time they are kept in each 
year, whether by male or female instructors ; number of scholars ; 
salaries or wages of teachers ; kinds of knowledge taught ; improve- 
ments in the mode of instruction ; prices of board, and expenses of 
schooling. 

5 



K. PREFACE. 

26th. Poor; their number, whether natives or foreigners ; their 
former occupations, the expense of maintaining them, the mode 
best calculated to unite humanity with economy in their support ; 
the means by which they were reduced to want, or inability to labor. 

27th. Free blacks ; their number, vices and modes of life ; their 
industry and success in acquiring property ; whether those born free 
are more ingenious, industrious, and virtuous, than those who were 
emancipated after arriving to adult years, 

28th. Inns or taverns — their number, 

29th. Climate and diseases ; variations in seasons and in disea- 
ses from clearing lands, draining swamps, and the like causes ; the 
diseases most prevalent in high and low situations, near streams of 
running water, or marsh and stagnant water, on the north and south 
sides of hills and mountains, and on different soils ; remarkable in- 
stances of diseases and mortality among animals of various kinds. 
Meteorological observations. Register of marriages, births and 
deaths, noting the sex, occupations, ages, and diseases of those who 
die. Remarkable instances of longevity j the local situation, the 
occupation, and the habits of life of those who ariive to a great age, 
as also their temper, whether cheerful or melancholic, quiet or dis- 
contented. 

30//;. Remarkable seasons or occurrences in the natural world ; 
as tempest, rain, hail, snow, and inundations, by which injury has 
been sustained, the time when they happened ; unusual insects, or 
usual insects in unusual numbers ; time of their appearance and dis- 
appearance, their generation and transformations ; injury sustained 
by them; unusual death of insects ; best modes of destroying nox- 
ious insects, or preventing their ravages. 

3ls(. Unusual failure of crops from causes known or unknown ; 
the years when it occurred, and the temperature of the seasons. An 
explication of the causes and phenomena of blast, mildew, rust, ho- 
ney dew, bursting of vegetables, diseases and death of plants, trees 
or shrubs ; the times when they occurred. 

32(1. Distinguished characters, who have been natives or residents 
in the town ; improvements in arts and sciences, and the authors of 
them ; inventors of curious machines ; vices, amusements, attention 
to civil and religious institutions ; remarkable instances of liberality, 
heroism, or other virtue. Libraries; when established, and the num- 
ber of volumes. Charitable institutions and endowments. Associ- 
ations for the purpose of improvement or humanity. Benefactions 
to pious and charitable uses. 



PREFACE. XI, 

It is not expected, that in all the above mentioned articles infor- 
mation can be given by each or perhaps any gentleman to whom this 
letter is addressed; but it is hoped and believed that the magnitude 
of the objedt in view, will induce every one, to spare no pains in ob- 
taining and communicating such information as shall be in his power. 
Should the exertion for this purpose be general and active, all the 
necessary information will probably be collected. 

In Scotland, the first, and it is supposed, the only successful at- 
tempt of this nature, has been carried into complete execution, by a 
similar application to the clergymen, and a few other enlightened 
persons in that country. 

It is rationally believed, that efforts equally spirited and efficacious 
v»'ill be made in Connecticut: should this be the case, our state will 
have the honor of leading in this important field of knowledge. 

Every piece of information on the subject specified, will contrib- 
ute to the great object in view, and will be gratefully received by 
this Academy. 

By order of the Academy^ 

SIMEON BALDWIN, 

Recording Secretary. 



STATISTICAL ACCOUNT 



OF THE 



CITY OF NEW-HAVEN. 



New-Haven, July 6, 1811. 
SIR, 

PERMIT me to return the following answer to the 
request of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and 
Sciences, concerning a statistical Jiistory of the city of 
New-Haven. The public will naturally ask why the an- 
swer has been so long delayed. The true reason is, that 
every man, here, is closely engaged in his ovv^n business; 
and that no man of business is, ordinarily, willing to 
write on subjects, unconnected with his personal con- 
cerns. My own situation, to those who know it, would 
fairly excuse me from the undertaking, I have made 
the attempt, because I was convinced, that it would be 
made by no other person. As this account is drawn up 
in circumstances of extreme inconvenience, the Acade- 
my will, I doubt not, readily excuse its imperfections. 

New-Haven, together with Woodbridge, Hamden, 
East-Haven, North- Haven, the principal part of the 
townships of Wallingford and Cheshire, and of the parish 
of Northford, forming a tract about 18 miles in length 
and 13 in breadth, was purchased, partly of Momauguin, 
sachem of Quinnipiack, November 24, 1638, and partly 
of Montowese, sachem of JMattabcseck, now Middle- 
town, December 1 1th, the same year, by the Rev, John 



2 Statistical Account 

Davenport and Theophilus Eaton, Esq. in behalf of the 
first phuitcrs of New- Haven, llie Indians reserved 
lands, on the eastern sideof the Quinnipiack, for planting 
and the right of hunting, fowling, and fishing, through- 
out the traet. The price paid to Momauguin was twelve 
coats of English cloth, twelve alehymy spoons, twelve 
hatchets, twelve hoes, two dosen knives, twelve porrin- 
gers, and four cases of French knives and scissors. 

The first principal settlers were Theophilus Eaton, 
Esq. Mr. Davenport, Mr. Samuel Eaton, Mr. Thomas 
Gregson, Mr. Robert Newman, Mr. Matthew Gilbert, 
Mr. Nathaniel Turner, Mr. Thomas Fugill, Mr. Francis 
Newman, iNIr. Stephen Goodyear, and Mr. Joshua At- 
water. These adventurers and their associates formed 
one of the most opulent settlements in New-England. 

On the 4th of June, 1639, the planters formed their 
constitution. On the 5th of October following they or- 
ganized their government, when jNIr. Eaton was chosen 
governor. By the general court, Avhich sat Sept. 5th, 
1640, Quinnipiack was named Neiv-Haven. On the 19th 
of May, 1643, the colony of New- Haven entered into a 
confederation with Connecticut, Plymouth, and Massa- 
chusetts. The confederates styled themselves the United 
Colonies of New-England. In 1655, a system of laws 
for New-Haven was finished by Gov. Eaton, and was 
printed in England. In 1657 Gov. Eaton died; and 
Francis Newman, Esq. at the folloAving election, was 
chosen in his stead. He died in 1661 ; and was succeed- 
ed by William Leet, Esq. March 27th. In 1661, Whal- 
Icy and GofFe came to New- Haven, and, the following 
October, removed to Hadley. May 11, 1665, the colo- 
nies of Connecticut and New-Haven were united. From 
that time the legislature has met, alternately, at Hailford 
and Nevv'-Haven. 

New-Haven is the name of a township, and a city in- 
cluded in that township. The township is bounded on 
the east by East- Haven, on the north by Hamden and 
Woodbridge, on the west by Milford, and on the soutli 
by Long- Island Sound. Its area I am unable to ascer- 
tain. Nature has divided it into two great parts. The 
eastern division is a plain, commencing on the western 
bank of Wallingford river, at the foot of a ridge of hills 



of the City of Nav-Haven. 3 

in East-Haven, belonging to the range of MIddletowii 
mountains, and partially bounded, on the northern side, 
by the East Rock, the southern end of the range of 
Mount Tom; by Mill Rock, a spur from it; by Pine 
Rock, a spur from West Rock ; and by West Rock, the 
southern end of the eastern ridge of the Green Moun- 
tains ; and on the west by a chain of hills, a continuation 
also of the Green Mountains, and here frequently called 
the Milford Hills. The western division is formed by 
the last mentioned heights. The plain extends about 
three miles from east to west ; and on the eastern side 
about two miles from north to south, and on the western, 
measuring from W^est Rock to the southern shore of 
West-Haven, about five. The western division is about 
five miles from north to south ; and somewhat more than 
two, from east to west. A handsome hill, named Mount 
Pleasant, intrudes into the plain in a southern direction 
from Mill Rock ; and occupies an area of about 400 
acres. There is also a small eminence in the north-east- 
ern quarter of the township, called the Beaver Hills. 

I can find no Indian name on record, except Quinni- 
piack. This was given to the river, which is the eastern 
boundary of the township, and now commonly called 
Wallingford river ; to the adjacent country ; and to the 
tribe, by which it was inhabited. 

There is nothing known of the Indian customs and mi/- 
thology, peculiar to this tribe. They were a branch of 
the Mohekaneews, or Muhheakunnuks ; a nation which 
inhabited the whole country, from the Potowmac to the 
St. Lawrence, and from the Atlantic to the Missisippi, 
together with an extensive region, westward of that river. 
All the tribes, within these limits, comprehending about 
a million of square miles, except the Iroquois, spoke dif- 
ferent dialects of one language. The Iroquois were in- 
terlopers, who fought their way from a distant western 
region into the country, which they ultimately inhabited, 
and which they conquered from the tribes who occupied 
it before them. 

The Quinnipiacks have long since been extinct. 

The Quinnipiacks dwelt, in the summer, on the shore, 
for the convenience of fishing ; and, in the winter, in the 
'forests, for the convenience of fuel. 



4 Statistical Account 

They had a place for powawing, about a quarter of a 
mile north-east from the house of Stephen Woodward, 
in East-Haven, about three fourths of a mile east of the 
harbor bridge. The spot was formerly a swamp, and is 
now a meadow. 

CharleSy the last sachem of this tribe, died about 80 
years shice. He was frozen to death near a spring, about 
one mile north of the Presbyterian church in East- Haven. 

They are said to have had neither marriages nor di- 
vorces. 

They cauglrt round clams with their feet; and taught 
the English to catch them in this manner. 

The Indian arrovv-heads, frequently found here, are 
exactly like some which have been brought from Cape 
Horn. 

At Fort Hill there was formerly an Indian fort, and an 
Indian burying-ground, on the eastern side of the hill. 
The name of this spot was formerly Indian Hill. 

The soil of the eastern division of this township is 
loam, mixed with sand, except the hill mentioned above, 
and the principal part of the New Township, which is 
loam, mixed with gravel ; the most common soil of 
New-England. The latter is moderately good ; the for- 
mer is warm, but dry, and lean. Both are, however, 
capable, as experience has extensively proved, of being 
rendered very productive by judicious cultivation. The 
soil of the western division is the same with that of Mount 
Pleasant, and rarely rises above mediocrity : while, to a 
considerable extent, it falls beneath it. 

There are no curiosities, here, either natural or artifi- 
cial, no antiquities^ no monumental inscriptions, of any 
particular importance. 

There are three rivers in this township, which empty 
their waters into the harbor of New-Haven : West river, 
which has its origin in Woodbridge ; Mill river, which 
rises in Hamden ; and the Quinnipiack, whose head wa- 
ters are in Southington. The two first run a course of 
about ten or tv/elve miles ; the last runs about thirty ; 
and is navigable for boats eight miles. Sloops have been 
frequently built at North-Haven, and conveyed down 
this stream to the Sound. 

There is one pond, only, in this township, called Bca- 



oftlie City of New -Haven. 5 

ver pond Formerly, when full, it was not fur from a 
mile in length, and about 60 rods in breadth. In dry 
seasons, the southern end of it was a marsh. From the 
north end of this water issues a stream, which turns an 
overshot mill. 

There are no medlcinul sp?-ing's, except a small chaly- 
beate spring' near the Beaver pond, nor cataracts^ nor 
Jalls^ in this township. 

The wells within the city of New-Haven generally 
yield excellent water. Their depth," on the lowest part 
of the plain, is not more than ten feet ; on the highest, 
thirty-four. Generally, it appears to vary, as the surface 
varies. Most of them, indeed all, which are dug to a 
proper depth, yield water at all seasons of the year. 

There is an aqueduct in this town ; the commence- 
ment of which is unknown, as well as its origin. It emp- 
ties a sprightly stream into the East creek, on the south 
side of Fair street, just below State street. 

No accidents by damps, or mephitic air, are remember- 
ed here. . 

For the following account of the mineralogy of this 
township, the Academy are indebted to Professor Silli- 
man. 

The mineralogy and geological structure of New- Ha- 
ven and its vicinity, have been but recently examined 
with much atLention. I'his examination is not yet com- 
pleted ; but the following facis and the observations con- 
nected with them u'ill be found tolerably coiTect. 

The plain on which New-Haven stands, is a secondary 
countr}^ evidently of recent formation ; it is wholly allu- 
vial, and is composed of beds of siliceous sand, and gra- 
vel, arranged in strata, nearly parallel, and extending to 
a depth greater than an} wells have yet penetrated. The 
sand is more or less ferruginous, and presents no inte- 
resting minerals, except such as appear to have been ac- 
cidentally deposited, or brought from other situations, 
viz. quartz, flint, jasper, and feldspar, Vv-hich are consid- 
erably abundant, and agate, sappare, and garnets, which 
have been found in a fev»- instances., 

There are no rock-formations in this plain, except a 
very recent and friable sandstone, which occurs in a few- 
places, and appears to be little more than an indurated 

c 



6 Statistical Account 

mass, composed of similar materials with the loose sand 
and gravel of the plain. 

The fine amphitheatre of hills, which encircles New- 
Haven, in all parts, except those occupied by the water, 
presents an interesting variety, both as it respects its ge- 
ological formation, and the individual minerals Avhich 
have been discovered. On the eastern side of the har- 
bour, the rocks are chiefiy granite, greenstone, and sand- 
stone. 

Only a few rocks of granite occur, and they are proba- 
bly the commencement of those extensive granite ranges 
which occupy the middle and eastern parts of Connecti- 
cut. 

The sandstone is extremely coarse, and may more 
properly be called, at least in many instances, a conglo- 
merate or puddingstonc. 

Greenstone hills accompany the sandstone all along 
the eastern side of the harbour, as high as the village of 
Dragon, and, probably, much farther. The sandstone 
lies beneath, and the greenstone reposes on it. Steatite 
or soapstone has been observed in this sandstone in small 
masses. The greenstone of these hills is broken into 
small fragments, most of which do not exceed two or 
three inches in length. 

North-cast and north-west of New-Haven, at the dis- 
tance of two miles from the town, and from each other, 
rise two perpendicular eminences, or bluffs, exhibiting 
precipices of naked rock, and called the East and West 
Mountains. Contiguous to these are several smaller 
eminences of the same description, the largest of which 
runs off at right angles from West Rock, in an easterly 
direction, and is called Pine Rock. This assemblage of 
eminences is the termination of several extensive ranges 
of the same nature, which run a great distance into the 
interior of New-England, forming numerous boldpreci- 
})ices, among which are the celebrated ones called jNIount 
Tom, and Mount Holyoke, near Northampton. Our 
remarks on this occasion, vvall be confined to the East 
and West r/Iountains, and their immediate appendages. 
They possess so many features in common, that they 
ma}' be considered together with advantage, while their 
distinct peculiarities m.ay also be pointed out. 



of the City of A^cw- Haven. 7 

Although it is the province of mineralogical descrip- 
lion to consider only the nature of the substances of 
M Inch it treats, one cannot contemplate these eminences 
without admiring them, as forming bold and beautiful 
features in the scenery around New-Haven. Their height 
is from 350 to 370 or 380 feet. 

There can be no hesitation in pronouncing them to be 
greenstone rocks, called by the popular name of 7vhhi in 
Scotland, and trap more generall}' throughout Europe. 
The term basalt has been more loosely and iiiaccurately 
applied to rocks of this description. It properly belongs 
to one variety of this famih', of which the Giant's Cause- 
way and the Cave of Fingai are celebrated examples. 
There is a striking resemblance between the greenstone 
mountains of New- England among themselves, and the 
same description of mountains in Scotland, and probably 
in other parts of the world. They present high mural 
precipices, perfectly naked and rude. Their fronts are 
composed of vast assemblages of columns, more or less 
regular, frequently affecting the prismatic form, with 
considerable, and sometimes with surprising regularity. 
A fine example of this latter circumstance, occurs at 
!Mount Holyoke. Rocks of this description are full of 
cracks and fissures, from which cause it probably arises 
that they are prone to break off and fall, an effect which 
is doubtless produced by the freezing of water deposited 
ill their cavities. Hence, vast masses of broken rocks, 
from the smallest size, to that of the largest columns, are 
usually found sloping from the bases of these mountains 
up their fronts, sometimes for more than half their height. 
They are also distinguished by sloping backs, declining 
so gradually, that, in the rear, the ascent is often easy, 
Avhile in front it is impracticable. 

These circumstances are no where more conspicuous 
than in the greenstone mountains of New-Haven. An 
observer placed at the foot of the West mountain, (par- 
ticularly,) is forcibly struck with the grandeur, and sub- 
limity, of the numerous and lofty columns which there 
form an extended front. 

These rocks are composed principally of hornblende 
and feldspar, through which quartz is sometimes inters- 
persed ; iron enters considerably into their composition. 



8 Statistical Account 

Hence, daring their decomposition, which takes place 
slowly in the weather, iron rust gTadually covers the ex- 
terior of the stone, thus giving it a reddish brown ap- 
pearance. The greenstone of New-Haven has been 
found, by experiment, to be fusible in a furnace, and to 
produce a blackish glass. 

It may not be improper to remark, that it forms an ex- 
cellent building stone, and is extensively employed for 
that purpose in New-Haven,* 

The greenstone mountains AV'hich have been described 
belong to the class of secondary rocks. This is proved, 
beyond controversy, (whatever system of geology be 
adopted,) by the fact, that they stand upon strata of sand- 
stone. Sandstone is, by all geologists, acknowledged to 
be formed by the gradual disintregration of other rocks ; 
and therefore, whatever other rocks repose on it, must 
necessarily be secondary. The junction of the sandstone 
and the greenstone in these hills, may be distinctly per- 
ceived in a number of places. 

There are some particular minerals found in these 
rocks which deserve notice. Iron pyrites, in minute 
pieces, and sometimes imperfectly crystalized, is found 
disseminated. Grey sulphuret of copper is sometimes 
seen, connected with crystalized quartz. Epidote occurs 
in veins. Prehnite occurs also in veins and in nodules, 
having a distinctly radiated structure, and the character- 
istic green color of that mineral. Very beautiful speci- 
mens of it arc found at the East Rock, crystalized, in 
veins, and in distinct globular concretions. This mine- 
ral probably abounds in the greenstone ranges of Con- 
necticut; for it has been found at Farmington, near Ber- 
lin, and also at the Pine Rock. At the latter place, it 
forms numerous perpendicular veins, rarely exceeding 
i-4 of an inch in thickness. They are considerably de- 
composed and injured by the weather; nor have any spe- 
cimens been found at the Pine Rock, which can compare 
either for soundness or beauty with those of the East Rock. 

* It is wortliy of notice, that most varieties of the trap or green- 
stone rocks, if hL-atcd red hot, plunged into water, and pulverized, 
l;)econ)e a p;nod substitute for the piize.o1ana of Italy, in forming a 
Viilcr-proof mortar for the conbt; uc'.ion of piers, docks.. Sec. 



qftlie City of New -Haven. 9 

Another interesting mineral found in these rocks is 
zeoUte. It occurs at the East Rock, but is most abun- 
dant at the Pine Rock. It is in veins; in superficial 
coatings on the stone, and in loose pieces lying among 
the broken rocks. There appear to be several varieties, 
viz. mealy zeolite, lamellar or foliated, and radiated. 
The lamellar variety is frequently crystalized ; but un- 
fortunately, the specimens are so much injured, that 
they possess but little beauty. The veins of zeolite, 
when found in place, are horizontal. 

It may not be amiss to remark, that in deciding the 
character of tlie two last mentioned minerals, their spe- 
cific gravity was ascertained to correspond Vvith that 
mentioned in the systematical books. The zeolite was 
found to be soft, to intumesee before the blow-pipe, to 
fuse into a white enamel, and to gelatinize with acids. 
The prehnite intumeseed before the blow-pipe, and 
melted into a greenish slag. It was so hard as to scratch 
glass, and give sparks with steel. 

It is somewhat gratifying to find these minerals so 
common in the greenstone of the old world, associated 
also with that of the new. 

Leaving the West mountain, the circuit of the hills is 
to the south. New features here present themselves ; 
not however without considerable resemblance to the 
country last described. For about four miles, ranges of 
greenstone continue, accompanied, however, and fre- 
quently interrupted, by extensive strata of a singular rock, 
to which it is not easy to give a name. It is universally 
schistose in its structure, and distinctly stratified. TiiC 
direction of the strata is nearly the same with that of the 
hills. They incline generally to the west, sometimes at 
an angle of from 30 to 45 degrees, and sometimes be- 
coming nearly horizontal. The rock is composed of 
distinct layers of quartz, varying from a mere line to an 
inch in thickness ; between which are interposed layers 
of a distinctly slaty substance, which sometimes verges 
towards mica, talc, or chlorite ; and, at other times, passes 
into clay- slate and greenstone slate. It occasionally has 
a glistening appearance; is very soft ; and has a distinct- 
ly saponaceous feci ; but frequently its feel is dry and 



10 Statistical Account 

Within about two miles of the sea shore, the green- 
stone ceases. The country becomes distinctly and whol- 
ly stratified. The strata are similar to those alread)' de- 
scribed ; but nearer the shore, and contiguous to the vil- 
kige of West- Haven, the rock changes into a perfect 
slate, lying in very extensive and beautiful strata, and 
forming continuous and high ledges, with intervening 
chasms. This slate appears to be intermediate between 
argillaceous slate and chlorite slate, verging sometimes 
towards the one, and sometimes toAvards the other. The 
strata continue quite to the sea shore, and jut upon it, 
in abrupt and broken cliffs. These cliffs, in some in- 
stances, run directly into the sea, and are lost beneath 
the water ; rising however oscasionally into little islands 
at some distance from the shore, thus indicating that this 
formation is probably extensive. 

The beach, which forms the margin of the shore, about 
a mile below the village of West-Haven, presents an in- 
teresting phenomenon, the solution of which may be 
found in the rocky strata, v/hich we have been describ- 
ing. The beach is covered with magnetic iron sand ; 
vmcommonly pure, and very sensible to the magnet. It 
may be obtained in large quantities ; and is used by the 
inhabitants of New- Haven for sanding paper, and some- 
times for an ingredient in a firm and durable mortar. 
The origin of the iron sand, which we have mentioned, 
appears to be this. The strata at this place seem to be 
decidedly formed of chlorite slate ; and abound in mi- 
nute crystals of magnetic, octahedral iron ore. The sea 
lashes the rocks at every tide, and, in all probability, the 
same kind of strata continue extensively beneath the sur- 
face. The rock being one which is easily disintegrated, 
the iron is thus washed out, broken by friction, and by 
the flow of the waves thrown back upon the shore. It 
is not often, perhaps, that a geological fact admits of 
more satisfactory explanation. 

There can be little doubt that these extensive strata 
are primitive; and it is very probable that the contigu- 
ous greenstone is primitive likewise. Its structure is 
considerably different from that of the secondary green- 
stone described above. It is much more porphyrytic, 
and it frequcntlv contains numerous crvstals of white 



of the City of New-Haven. 11 

feldspar, of considerable size. In some instances it al- 
ternates with the schistose strata ; and no observations 
hitherto made, will justify the conclusion that these 
rocks, like the East and West mountains, rest on sand- 
stone, or any other secondary rock. 

Leavinj^' the hills which immediately bound the plain 
of New- Haven, and proceeding westward on the great 
road leading to New- York, some additional facts may 
be noticed. Greenstone continues to be the prevailing 
rock of the country ; and for several miles, we cross ex- 
tensive ridges of this rock and of greenstone slate. 

At the distance of five or six miles from New-Haven, 
the strata of greenstone slate become very extensive and 
regular. Their direction is very nearly north-east and 
south-west ; and their dip is from 30 to 40 degrees. 

The country here is filled with ridges consisting chief- 
ly of greenstone slate, which look generally to the south- 
east, with considerable chasms or small valleys between 
them, so as to resemble, very much, a series of billows 
when the sea runs high. 

To this general formation, tliere is one remarkable 
and striking exception. About five miles west of New- 
Haven commences a range of serpentine, both common 
and noble, and mixed more or less with primitive lime- 
stone and bitterspath. As this range proceeds westward, 
the limestone predominates more and more over the ser- 
pentine ; and soon the rock becomes primitive stratified 
limestone. This continues in the same direction, in near- 
ly uninterrupted ridges, for three miles at least, and, as 
is asserted, several miles farther. Thus a circumscribed 
space, not exceeding 1-4 of a mile in breadth, and run- 
ning in length as has just been specified, intervenes be- 
tween ridges of greenstone, and even in some instances 
alternates with it ; this rock forming its boundary on the 
north, and also on the south, and in some places coming 
into direct and visible contact with it. 

These strata of limestone are remarkably regular. — 
Their direction and dip is the same with that of the 
greenstone slate. In \\ few instances the limestone is in- 
terrupted by greenstone and chlorite slate. 

A quarry has recently been opened in these calcareous 
strata, for the purpose of obtaining marble ; for the 



12 Statistical Accoimt 

limestone which has been mentioned appears proper!)- to 
deserve that name. The structure of the rock is schis- 
tose. Its texture is minutely granuhir. Its jirevaihng 
color is that of the ItaUan dove marble ; but very much 
variegated by innumerable veins of calcareous spar or 
bitterspath, of a very fine and brilliant white, by an ad- 
mixture of serpentine forming green spots, and by black 
spots and clouds which sometimes are magnetic iron 
ore, and sometimes appear to be serpentine of a dark 
hue. Marble also occurs here of a deep black, beauti- 
fully illuminated by Avhite clouds. As far as the inves- 
tigation has gone, these calcareous strata are divided in- 
to large distinct tables ; so that they can be taken out in 
many instances, without making any other fracture than 
what exists naturally. Pieces of the marble have been 
sawn and polished ; and although only weathered pieces 
have hitherto been tried, the stone exhibits so fine a tex- 
ture, so high a lustre, and such beautiful delineations of 
color, as to justify the belief that as a marble it will prove 
a valuable acquisition to the country.* 

It lies immediately upon navigable water, which, at 
the distance of two miles communicates directly with 
Milford harbour and Long-Island Sound, and is sufii- 
ciently copious to work the mills necessar}- for sawing it. 

Serpentine occurs in this range in various places, and 
it appears to be indeterminately mixed with the marble 
in various proportions, so as to give the beauties of col- 
or belonging to each. The serpentine which is found at 
the eastern end of this range, is principally yellow and 
green, marked with numerous shades, clouds and veins, 
arising from the admixture of magnetic iron ore and 
other substances. It admits of a handsome polish and is 
very beautiful. The noble serpentine which is found in 
it is of a very deep green mixed with yellow, and is sus- 
ceptible of so high a polish as to become a perfect mir- 
ror. 

Green talc, resembling French chalk, is sometimes to 
be met with between the strata of limestone. 

Asbestos is abundant in this range, existing chiefly in 

* The discoverer of this marble was Mr. Solomon Baldwin, a 
student of Yale College. 



of the City of New-Haven. 13^ 

the serpentine, and is very handsome. Its colors are va- 
rious shades of \\'hite, blended with green. It is inter- 
mixed with bitterspath, and contains numerous pieces, 
and sometimes larG:e ones, of masrnetic iron ore.;Amian- 
tlius is also found here, in some instances as fine as that 
of Corsica. 

A considerable number of other minerals are found in 
this vicinit3\ Steatite or lamellar talc occurs near the 
marble, and is used by the inhabitants as a substitute for 
chalk. 

Fine specimens of tremolite, common, asbestous, and 
glassy, are found in rocks composed of dolomite and 
quartz. 

Epidote is very abundant in this region. It exists 
chiefly in veins in greenstone slate and other rocks, and 
is sometimes massive ; but handsome specimens of a ra- 
diated structure have been obtained in calcareous veins 
running through greenstone slate. 

Chlorite is frequently found; sometimes penetrating 
calcareous spar and quartz, and sometimes in veins in 
greenstone slate, and other schistose rocks. 

Actynolite occurs in greenstone, which often contains 
micaceous magnetic iron ore. 

Phosphate of lime is sometimes found in detached no- 
dules of granite, in the neighborhood of the marble. 

Jasper, Hint, red and common quartz, puddingstone, 
and pitchstone, are considerably abundant in this region. 

Iron pyrites is found, both massive and in cubical 
crystals. 

Lead, in the form of galena, has been repeatedly dis- 
covered, A few years since, several hundred Aveight 
was found Vv^ithin half a mile of the range of serpentine, 
and repeated attempts were made to mine for it ; but it 
was not sufficiently abundant to prove profitable. Lead 
has also been found in small quantities, in several places 
within a few miles of this. 

P. S. — Although not within the province of this essay, 
it may not be amiss to preserve in this place the memory 
of a curious fact, concerning the discovery of native cop- 
per a few miles from this town. Copper is still knoA\ >! 
to exist in various places, in the Ilamdcn hills, and at- 
tempts have been repeatedly made to sink shafts for the 

D 



14 Statistical Account 

purpose of obtaining the copper, but the business has 
never been prosecuted to efi'ect. 

The fact now to be mentioned^ seems to justify the 
hope, that at some future period, copper mines may be 
successfully worked in this vicinity. 

The following account is taken from Mrs. Doolittle, 
of this town, the daughter of the person who discovered 
it. Slie relates, that her father, Mr. Josiah Todd, of 
North- Haven, when gathering fruit on the Hamden hills, 
discovered a mass of native copper, ^veighing about 90 
pounds, which he obtained and preserved. It was lying 
on the surface of a flat rock, at some places adhering to 
it, and even running into its crevices. He, with several 
other persons, afterwards sought for more, but as they^ 
by their own confession, had superstitious fears respect- 
ing it, they probably did not make a very minute inves- 
tigation, and no more was found. This mass passed 
through several hands, and was finally obtained by the 
son-in-law of the discoverer, a coppersmith, who con- 
sidered it as very free from alloy, and used it in the 
course of his business. It existed and v/as used within 
the remembrance of Mrs. Doolittle and her son, of this 
town, and a part of it even 10 or 15 years since. Unfor- 
tunately, no part of this interesting natural production 
can now be obtained, nor is the precise place of its dis- 
covery known. 

On that part of the plain, which is between Mount 
Pleasant and Milford hills, the original growtli was the 
shrub oak. Wild turkies abounded on this plain, as late 
as the year 1 695. 

In the eastern division of tliis township, there is no 
forested ground., except upon Mount Pleasant and the 
Beaver hills, and the southern end of East rock. A con- 
siderable part of the western division is still forested. 
The trees., of which our forests are composed, are the 

Oak, Button-wood, or Pepperidge, 

Chcsnut, Plane tree. Thorn, 

Hickory, Hemlock, Locust, 

1:11m, Willow, W'hite and yellow 

Ash, Horn-beam, Pine, 

Maple, Sassafras, Butternut, 



of the City of New- Haven. 15 

Birch, Poplar, Bass or Linden, 

Wild Cherry, Alder, Crab Apple, 

Dog-wood, or Box, Sumach, Crab Pear, 

Beech, Swamp-Sumach, Black Mulberry. 

Red Cedar, White Tulip tree, 

The price oft'imher^ squared, is 6 dollars per ton. 

The price of wood for fuel is, by the cord, hickory from 
seven to eight dollars ; pine, three and a half dollars ; 
other kinds of wood from five to six dollars. 

A small quantity of peat has been used for fuel. 

The use of coal is almost unknown. Wood is alto- 
gether preferred for this purpose ; as furnishing, in the 
opinion of the inhabitants, a pleasanter and cleaner fire. 

From pretty extensive inquiries, made under the di- 
rection of the Academy, it is believed, that the quantity 
of wood, within the region whence the city of New-Ha- 
ven is principally supplied with fuel, the rcdius of which 
may be estimated at about ten miles, is not diminishing, 
but gradually increasing. About one third of the fuel, 
consumed here, is imported from Long-Island, Guilford, 
or the borders of the Hooesteanuc, or Stratford river. 

From the books of the wharfinger it appears, that in 
the year ending June, 1806, the tonnage of vessels, bring- 
ing wood to the city of New-Haven, amounted in the 
aggregate to 4305. Vessels are supposed to carry half 
a cord to a ton ; which gives 2152 1-2 cords, imported 
that year. As they actually carry somewhat more, the 
quantity may be estimated in round numbers at 2500 
cords. If one third of the wood, consumed in the city 
of New-Haven, is imported, the whole v/ill, according to 
this estimate, be 7500 cords; or ten cords to a house: 
including, however, all that is consumed in Yale College, 
and in the stores, and mechanics' shops, as well as on 
board the shipping. If we allow 6 dollars for the cord, 
the expense of the inhabitants for fuel will be annually 
45,000 dollars. 

The pine timber, used in building, is imported from 
Connecticut and Hudson rivers, North- Carolina, Geor- 
gia, and the District of Maine, chiefly from the last. 

There is no sugar made from tlie maple in this town- 
ship. 

The distance of wood and fiteJ^ on t!ie grouixls in, and 



16 Statistical Account 

about New-Haven, from navigable water, is from one to 
five miles. 

It is believed, from a number of experiments, which 
have come to the knowledge of the Academy, that the 
best time for cutting timber, in order to render it dura- 
ble, is that in which the sap flows most freely. Imme- 
diately after it is cut, the bark should be taken off. The 
w^ood will then acquire a degree of hardness, not attain- 
able in any other known manner. 

The flowering shrubs, which are natives of this town- 
ship, are the 

Laurel, Swamp rose, 

American red honey-suckle. Sweet briar, 
American white honey- Snow ball, 

suckle. White bush, 

Mountain elder, Vineleaf rasbeny. 

Wild rose, 

Fruit -bearing shrubs, are the 
Bilberry, Spice-bush, 

Whortleberry-, Hazel, 

Blackberry, Barberry, 

Rasberry, Bayberry. 

Partridge-berry, 

Barren shrubs, are the 
Juniper, Moose-bush, 

Savin, Small ivy. 

Shrub-oak, Fern. 

There are no furnaces, nor forges, in New-Haven. 
There are three grist-mills, two paper-mills, three ful- 
ling-mills, one powder-mill, one bark-mill and one cot- 
ton manufactory, containing all the usual machinery for 
spinning and twisting cotton, and a manufactory of Cut 
Nails. 

Mr. Ebenezer Chittenden, of this town, is the inventor 
of the first machine, in this country, perhaps in the 
world, for bending and cutting card teeth with a single 
movement. 

That part of the eastern division of this town, which 
lies between the West River and the Quinnipiack, and 
between the northern boundary and the harbour, is in- 
cluded within the limits of the city of New- Haven, by 
the act of incorporation. The area of tliis tract may be 



of the City of Kexv-Havcn. 17 

about seven square miles. The harbor is aU:o inchided 
within the hmits of the city, and forms an area of about 
six miles. 

The city of New- Haven lies at the head of the har- 
bour ; which sets up four miles from Long-Island Sound, 
in 41 degrees 18 minutes N. latitude, 72 degrees 56 
minutes, W. longitude ; 76 miles from New- York, 166 
from Philadelphia, 34 from Hartford, 134 from Boston, 
and 107 from Albany. It is the capital of the County, 
which bears the same name, and the semi-capital of 
Connecticut. 

The harbour of New-Haven is four miles in length, 
to the point on the eastern side ; on which, within a 
few years, a light-house has been erected ; and 240 
rods in breath within the beach, a sand bank project- 
ing from West-Haven shore, almost to the channel. — 
The harbour is formed by the confluence of the three 
rivers, which have been mentioned above. The chan- 
nel of the harbour is the common channel of the Quin- 
nipiack and Mill river ; and lies near the eastern side. 
The depth, from the bridge, which crosses these two riv- 
ers after their junction, styled the Harbour bridge, is fif- 
teen feet at low water. It is however, in some degree 
interrupted by a bar of sand, which has been formed in 
consequence of the erection of an insulated pier, at the 
distance of a mile from the head of Long-\Vharf. On 
this bar the depth, at low water, is about six or seven 
feet. A foot and a half has been added to the former 
depth on this bar, by the contraction of the passage for 
these two rivers under the bridge. This benefit is still 
increasing. 

On the East-Haven side, nearly opposite to the beach, 
rises at the edge of the water, an insulated rock of con- 
siderable elevation. Here the United States have erect- 
ed a fortress of brick-work, on which are to be mounted 
seven guns for the defence of the harbour. At this place 
is stationed a garrison of 22 men. 

A common tide, in this harbour, rises about six feet ; 
and spring tides, from seven to eight. 

In m.oderate winters the navigation is not obstructed 
hy ice. In cold winters it is obstructed for a short time. 



18 Statistical Account 

In 1804 — 5, the harbor was covered with schd ice du- 
ring ten weeks. 

The north- \vestern side of the hai'bor has undergone 
great changes since the settlement of the to^vn, The 
spot, which Avas originally called the Winter Harbour, 
on the borders of which, seventy or eighty }ears since, 
there was a ship yard, is now covered with meadows 
and gardens. About the same period, foreign vessels 
loaded, and unloaded on the eastern side of Fleet-street, 
about twenty rods above the head of Long- Wharf ; 
where now the spot is also covered with gardens. Forty 
six years since, there was more water, it is believed, at the 
foot of the wharf, when its length did not exceed thirty 
rods, than there is now, when it is three fourths of a mile. 
These changes are partly owing to human labour; part- 
ly to the influx of earth, con\Tyed into it by rains and 
streams ; and partly, and indeed almost entirely, to the 
continual accumulation of what is called Harbor or Creek 
mud ; believed, not Avithout reason, to be principally a 
marine vegetable. This nmd accumulates annually, on 
the northern and western sides of the harbour, and seems 
not unlikely to convert a considerable part of it, finally, 
into tract of a salt marsh. 

The city is built on the north side of the harbuor ; and 
occupies an area of about a square mile. It is divided 
into two parts ; called the Old, and the New ToAviiships. 
The original or old town was laid out in nine squares ; each 
fifty two rods on a side, and separated by streets four 
rods in breadth, running S. 30° W. and E. 30° S. ; and 
thus forming a quadrangular area, 172 rods on a side. 
The central square is open ; and is believed to be the 
handsomest ground in the United States. The sur- 
rounding squares arc, by a by law, divided, each into 
four. The principal part of the streets, forming this 
division, are 0]>cned and built upon. 

The New-Township lies immediately eastward of the 
Old. This is a beautiful tract, bounded on two sides 
by Mill river, and the harbour. The houses here have, 
Avithin a few years, become numerous ; as they have, al- 
so, in other parts of the exterior. 

The wliole number of houses in the cit}'^ of New-Ha- 
ven is 750 : of which 314 arc built on the streets forming 



of the City of New- Haven. 19 

the squares. The stores, shops, barns, See. are scarcely 
less numerous than the houses. The style of building 
generally adopted here, is neat, and in but few instances 
expensive. A few of the houses are of three stories ; 
a moderate number of one ; the rest, supposed to be 
more than 600, are of two. There are forty brick, 
and eleven stone buildings. Many of the rest are prob- 
ably destined to be the materials of a future conflagra- 
tion. 

In the year 1800 there were no buildings of Rock 
Stone in the City, except a small Powder House ; 
and but two buildings of Free Stone. At the same 
time there were but 2 fire-proof buildings. The neat- 
ness of the houses is extended to every thing around 
them. Little, that is old, cr unrepaired, meets the eye. 
The courts, and gardens, which exist almost every 
where, are prettily enclosed. Fruit trees, and ornamen- 
tal trees and shrubs, abound every where. Upon the 
whole, few places make a more delightful appearance. 

The scenery around New-Haven is uncommonly rich. 
The East and West Rocks, particularly, are, for their 
height, very fine eminences, remarkably bold and stri- 
king. 

The public buildings in New-Haven are the collegiate 
buildings, five churches, four school houses, a state- 
house, a county-house, a gaol, a bank, an alms-house, 
a:nd a market ; all of them decent, but none of them 
beautiful. 

The agriculture carried on within the limits of this 
city, is directed to most of the objects, pursued in the 
husbandry of this country. Wheat, rye, maize, barley, 
oats, fiax and grass, are the principal products. Wheat 
has yielded 40 bushels, rye 28, barley 45, maize 80, 
Oats 60 ; fiax 620 lbs. and grass 4 tons an acre. Nei- 
ther buckwheat, nor hemp, is cultivated in our fields. 
The annual produce cannot be estimated. 

The kiln-dried meal exported annually amounts to be- 
tween five and six thousand hogsheads ; it has greatly 
exceeded this quantity. 

The quantity of land^ planted with potatoes^ is un- 
known. 



20 Statistical Account 

No rotation of crops has hitherto obtained a decided 
preference. 

The only grasses^ cultivated with the plough, are clover 
and herdsgrass or foxtail. These have been cultivated 
with success. 

The only attempts at draining and diking marsh 
ground, have been made on the south end of Beaver 
pond, and on the west meadow. The effects of this ex- 
periment, in the former instance, have, hitherto, been 
promising ; but, as the work is only in progress, the re- 
sult cannot be accurately determined. 

In the year 1769, a dike was built across the meadow, 
on the West river, at the bridge ; for the purpose of 
preventing the salt water from overflowing the tract, 
which lies above the bridge, containing about one hun- 
dred and twenty acres. A gate was at the same time 
suspended from the bridge ; which was shut by the tide, 
and opened by the stream, when the tide fell. At that 
time, the whole, or nearly the whole of this ground was 
a salt marsh. The salt grass soon died ; and was suc- 
ceeded first by white grass, as it is here called, and after- 
wards, on about half of the tract, by spear grass and clo- 
ver. A part of this ground has at times been ploughed, 
and yielded good crops of maize. It contains, also, sev- 
eral valuable orchards of apple trees ; which were plant- 
ed by cattle, and produce an abundance of fruit. It is 
remarkable, that the canker worm has never attacked 
these orchards. 

The best manure for the lands on this plain is wood 
ashes, either fresh, or after they have been lixiviated. 
They have many advantages over every other kind. 
Wheat is very rarely blasted on grounds dressed with 
ashes. On such grounds produce of all kinds is abun- 
dant; and, what is remarkable, they increase the fruit 
more, and the stem less. Their efficacy continues long- 
er, by three or four times, than that of manure from the 
stable. Lixiviated ashes, also, meliorate the soil finally, 
by giving it a greater consistence. Manure, from the 
horse stable, increases the effects of drought, and seems 
ill fitted to a dry soil. 

The white-fish, a kind of herring, remarkably fat, and 
too bony to be eaten, have been extensively used, as 



of the City of New-Haven. 21 

manure, on both shores of the Sound, east of New-Ha- 
ven ; and, to some extent, here. The process is, either 
to place a hiyer of the fish upon the ground, and then a 
layer of earth ; and thus, alternately, until ail the fish are 
disposed of; or to spread them on the land, and plough 
them in. In both cases the manure is perfected, when 
the fish are completely dissolved. This is an excellent 
dressing; and in many places is esteemed superior to 
every other. The number of fish, necessary to dress an 
acre, is from ten to twelve thousand. These fish, in 
large shoals, frequent our shores in the month of June. 
As a manure, they appear to suit most soils, and almost 
^wzvy kind of vegetation, in the garden as well as in the 
field. 

The best means of increasing manure, within my know- 
ledge, are, the regular accumulation of every thing ca- 
pable of becoming manure, either in a pile, or a pit, so 
conveniently posited with respect to the house, as to en- 
courage the process. A hog-pen will answer this pur- 
pose extremely well, if sufficiently large ; and may, per- 
haps, be ordinarily the best resort. Earth, occasionally 
mingled with this mass, will hicrease the quantity of ma- 
nure. 

A large quantity of manure might be gatiiered, with- 
out much trouble, by mowing the weeds, which unfor- 
tunately spring up, in such quantiti'js, in so many of our 
fields, and stacking them in heaps, of a convenient size, 
on the spot. A layer of earth should be placed above 
every layer of weeds. The weeds should be mowed, 
before they have gone to seed. In this manner the farm- 
er would gain the double advantage of extirpaUng weeds, 
and of increasing* his manure. 

Manure may be also increased by any efiectual meas- 
ures for preserving the urine of horses and cattle, while 
they are confined in the stall. 

Beside the obvious and customary modes of extermi-^ 
nating weeds by the plough and the hoe, much may be 
done by collecting the manure, with which the land is to 
be dressed, into a iieap, or a pit, and sufiering it to con- 
tinue, until it has gone through a putrefactive process. 
In this case the seeds swell, and perish. A large part 



22" Statisfical Account' 

of the weeds, found in our fields, are planted in the ma- 
nure, with which they are dressed. 

It is difficult to say what is the' best seed time. Ancient- 
ly, the best time for sowing wheat was supposed to be- 
the third week in iVugust. Since the Hessian fly began 
its ravages, the last week in September, and the first 
and second in October, are generally preferred. In the 
former case, the a\ hitc bald wheat was almost exclusive- 
ly cultivated. This ^\'as much the best Avheat, ever 
known in New-England. It was less exposed to injuries 
from the frost, or the blast, than any other. It }ielded 
more by the acre ; the grain was heavier ; the flour was 
"^vhitcr, and better tasted; and the bread fresh and moist 
much longer. This wheat was, more than any other, 
the favorite food of the fly ; and has, therefore, been for 
many years disused. The yellow-bearded wheat haj 
been substituted for it extensively. Several other kinds 
have been also sown, with different success. 

The only modes of preventing^ or lessening, the ravages 
oftheJJij, of which I have heard, are, to sow the wheat 
so late in the autumn, as to escape this enemy during 
that season ; and to sow it only on rich ground. 

No important effects are known to have been derived 
from changing seeds. 

The lands in this township are almost exclusively cul- 
tivated by oxen, or cu joint team of oxen and horses. The 
advantages of emplo}ing oxen are, that they will endure 
miore fatigue ; draw more steadily, and surely ; are pur- 
chased for a smaller price ; are kept at much less ex- 
pense ; are freer from disease ; suffer less from labouring 
on rough grounds ; and perform the labour better : and, 
when bv ag-e or accident thev become unfit for labour, 
the}'' are converted into beef. The only advantage of 
employing horses instead of oxen, is derived from their 
speed. 

There is but one ox -waggon in this town. Such wag- 
gons are found to be very useful for transporting loads 
over considerable distances. The ox-cart will turn nnich 
more easily, and discharge its load in most cases with 
much less difficulty, and in much less time. Such carts 
are, therefore, more convenient for the ordinary business 
of a farm ; and will probably be long retained. 



oftlie City of Xew-IIaveji. 23 

The ploughs and harrows are such as are common to 
this part of the country. 

Drills are not used, except to drop onion seed : and, 
for this purpose, those A\hich are employed here are very 
serviceable. A single man, with such a drill, will plant 
more than an acre in a day. 

We have wo threshing machines: but a few vans, of 
the common construction, are employed to winnow 
wheat, rye, and barley. 

ThQ fences, with which our fields are generally inclos- 
ed, arc of posts and rails, made in the manner which is 
common throughout this countr}-. A fe\v are formed 
A\dth three rails : the space between the lower rail and 
the ground behig filled up with a wall of stone. This is 
a good kind of fence, and will last many years. The 
posts and rails are of chcsnut. Their price has been 
doubled in thirty years, although the sources whence 
they are supplied, have probably not decreased. The 
expence, by rod, of this species offence, is 75 cents. 

Hedges have never succeeded here. Attempts have 
been made with the prim, the apple, the mulberry, and 
the thorn. The seeds of the last were imported by the 
late Judge Ingersoll from England. The prim hedges, 
throughout this country, universally died about forty 
years since. The cause of this disaster is unknown. 

It has been supposed, that hedges might be advan- 
tageously formed of red cedar. 

The city of New-Haven contains, probably, as many 
good kitchen gardens as any town in the state: and all, 
or nearl}" all the objects of horticulture, within the state, 
may be found here. The vegetables cultivated in oui 
gardens, are the follov/ing : 



* Asparagus, 




* Endive, 




Beans, 




'^ Garden Cresses, 




Beets, 


4 


* Garlic, 




Cabbages, 




Maize, 




Carrots, 


3 


Mustard, 




Cauliflowers,' 


2 


Lettuce, 




Celery, 


2 


Onions, 


3 


^ Chives, 




Parsnips, 


2 


Chalots, 


2 


Parsley, 


2 


* Cole worts, 




Ptas, ' 





24 Statistical Account 



Peppergrass, 


2 


* Scarcity Root, 




Peppers, 




Spinach, 


3 


Radishes, 


5 


Turnips, 


5 


Sal Souftee, 








The fruits cultivated in our garclensy are, on vines. 


C antelopes, 




Squashes, 




Cucumbers, 


3 


Somatos, or Love 


Apples, 


* Gherkins, 




Watermelons, 




Mandrakes, 




Winter Squashes 


> 


Muskmelons, 




Grapes, 




Nasturtions, 










On 


shrubs. 




Currants, 


3 


Rasberries, 


5 


Gooseberries, 










On 


trees, 




* Almonds, 




Peaches, 




Apples, 




Pears, 




* Apricots, 




Plums, 




Cherries, 




Quinces, 


2 


* Nectarines, 










On 


plants, 




Strawberries, 


6 


Vegetable Eorar. 





The kinds, marked vvitli an asterisk, have but one 
species in our gardens. The figures, on the right hand, 
denote the number of species. Of the kinds, to which 
no mark is annexed, there are so many species, that the 
number is not easily determined. 

Cauliflowers are less prosperous here, than in a mois- 
ter soil. The best mode of cultivating them, is to sow 
the seed as early, as the season will permit ; and to set 
out the plants in trenches, dug to the depth and width 
of a spade, with a covering at the bottom of three inch- 
es of manure, and three inches of earth spread over the 
manure. The two great evils to which cauliflowers are 
exposed in this country, are these : They are often 
blown down by strong winds in August and September ; 
and their stems are often shrivelled and «racked, by the 
intense heat. When they are only shrivelled, the vege- 
tation is obstructed ; and the flower is starved for want 
of nourishment. When they arc cracked, the rain en- 
ters the stalk, and it perishes. Bf»th of these arc pre- 



of the City of A 'ew - Haven . 2 5 

vented b}^ setting them in trendies, and covering the 
stem with earth as fast as it rises. 

The Madeira purple grape ordinarily sustains our 
winters without injury; but they are liable to be hurt by 
seasons of extraordinary severity. The raisin grape is 
more easily injured. The trouble of covering them is 
so small, that I have preferred it. The best way of 
covering them is to lay them on the ground ; spread 
over them a quantity of refuse hay, or seaweed ; and 
cover this with six inches of earth. 

The best strawberry for cultivation, is the large mead- 
ow strawberry of this country. They are originally of 
the same species with that of Chili ; but are ripe about 
a week earlier, and are a little larger, sweeter, and more 
prolific. 

The best mode of cultivating strawberries is to set 
them out in beds, the second or third week in April. 
They should be set in longitudinal rows : the meadow 
and Chili strawberries about 9 inches, the hautboy about 
6 inches, apart each way. They should be kept clean, 
until the shoots have spread so much, as to make it in- 
convenient. They will then speedily cover the ground, 
so as to render further weeding chiefly unnecessary. In 
the New- Haven gardens the large strawberries will con- 
tinue in full bearhig five years. Cultivating them in hills 
is far more laborious ; in dry seasons they are shrunk ; in 
wet seasons they are sprinkled with earth, and made 
gritty ^by every rain ; and the quantity obtained is in- 
comparably less. These e\ ils are not balanced by a sin- 
gle advantage. It is much less trouble to set them out 
every year ; as the labour can be done by small children. 

The field strawberry, which is ten days earlier than 
that of the meadows, is also sweeter. But after eight 
years cultivation in my garden it has not increased its 
size at all, whereas the meadow strawberry has doubled 
its size. 

The most produtive rasberry is the English brown. 

The peach tree is often injured by a worm, which in- 
serts itself within the bark, just at the surface of the 
earth; and eats both the bark, and the wood till it des- 
troys the tree. An efiectual defence against tliis animal 
may be obtained by smearing the tree, about two inches 



:26 Statist'wal Accomil 

bclov/ the surface, and five above, with tar; an ointment 
of roll brimstone and hog's lard, a whitewash, made of 
lime, and water containing a strong solution of cow dung; 
and almost any other substance, which will effectually 
incase the tree. Before the application is made, howev- 
er, the worm should be taken out. This is usually done 
with a knife; and is apt to be done imperfectly. An 
effectual mode of accomplishing it is, to place immedi- 
ately around the tree about two quarts of fresh ashes, 
and to turn upon them a sufficient quantity of pretty 
warm water. The ley formed in this manner, will force 
the worm out immediately. 

Here and in most parts of this country, the Morello 
cherry tree, and most kinds of plum trees, have been 
stung in the small twigs bj^ an insect ; \vhich in this man- 
ner inserts its egg into the centre of the twig. After 
the maggot is hatched, it feeds upon the wood of the 
twig, until it has attained the proper size to leave its ni- 
dus. Still the growth of the twig goes on ; and be- 
comes fungous. The protuberance, thus formed, turns 
black, and becomes hard ; in which state it is indifferent - 
ly called a wart, and a knot. These warts have, for 
•some years past, multiplied to such an extent, as to be 
found upon almost all the small branches of the trees ; 
and, in many instances, to ruin them. If I ma}^ conjec- 
■ture from the facts in my own garden, these insects, 
which I am persuaded are of different kinds, have, for 
the present, terminated their ravages, at least in this 
lown. 

The best mode of extirpating the insects and wonns^ 
rtvhich generallij 7nolest gardens, the best, I mean, within 
my knowledge, is to plough or dig them in the latter 
part of November. If this be done three years succes- 
si\'ely, in a garden which is not in the near neighbour- 
hood of any other ground, cultivated v/ith the plough, 
or spade, they will be nearly all destroyed. A strong 
decoction of the leaves of the elder, or the burdock, will 
■expel most insects from the plants, which they injure. 
The late Abraham Burbank, Esq. of \^^est Springfield, 
informed mc, that he had found no method of extcrmi- 
jaating worms from his garden so effectual as sowing it 



oftlie City of Nero-Haven, 27 

with salt. The experiment is well worth repeatijig ^ 
especially as salt is an excellent manure. 

The quantity of cider, made in this town, is compara- 
tively small. 

To make the best elder, the following rules should be- 
observed. The apples should be of good kinds, and 
thoroughly ripe. If not ripe wlien they are gathered, 
they should be collected in heaps under cc\ er. 

Those, which are rotten, should be carefully picked 
out. 

They should be thoroughly ground. 

The pumice should be left open to the atmosphere 
from twelve to twent} -four hours. 

The liquor should be made clean as possible. For 
this purpose the first runnings from the cheese may be 
advantageously passed through it the second time. The 
same purpose ma}^ be also accomplished in several ocher 
modes. It may be placed in large vessels ; and drawn 
off, whenever the scum shall all have risen to the sur- 
face. It may be racked once or twice in the cellar ; and, 
the first time, at the moment when it has ceased to hiss. 

After the liquor is put into casks, which should always 
be perfectly sweet, it should be kept uniformly cook 
The English, in Herefordshire^ place it in houses, built 
for the purpose. The design of this is to check, as 
much as may be, the fermentation. Some persons ac- 
complish this by drawing it off frequently ; others, by 
letting it freeze, and afterwards thaw again. Either 
mode may be pursued with success. If the fermenta- 
tion is rendered very slow, the great point is gained. 
After the process has proceeded thus far, and the fer- 
mentation is completed, the chief things to be done to- 
wards preserving it, seem to be, to exclude the air en- 
tirely, to keep it cool, and to keep it in a temperature, 
^vhich shall, as near as possible, be uniform. In a cOld 
and moist cellar stout cider is well kept through the sum- 
mer in good casks ; but this cannot easily be done in 
cellars, which are warm, and dry. 

It is a bad practice to put cider into casks, which liaN e 
contained rum, or brandy. It may, howevei", be sue- 
ressfully enriched by adding to it the lees of Lisbon, or 
strong currant, wine. But the only spirit, which caa 



28 Statistical Accourit 

be used to increase its strength without injuring its taste, 
is cider brandy. 

Should the cider be bottled, the bottles should be fil- 
led scarcely to the neck : olher^^'ise they \\ ill be in dan- 
ger of bursting. If the fermentation should be too rap- 
id after the liquor is bottled, the bottles should be cov- 
ered with sand, almost to the cork, and occasionally wet 
with cold water. 

Casks which have become acid, may be made sweet 
by slacking, in each, about a quart of stone lime with 
hot water ; bunging them ; rolling them ; and then let- 
ting them stand a few days before they are rinsed. This 
may be done by burning, in each, matches of brimstone. 

Musty casks may be cleansed by taking out one of the 
heads, and washing them thoroughly : after which they 
should be well rinsed, and suffered to dry. 

Apples can be very well preseiued in dry sand ; or in 
air-tight casks. In this case, however, they should be 
taken out once in tlie winter ; the defective ones remov- 
ed ; and those, which are sound, wiped dry. 

Some of the most successful inoculations^ which I have 
seen, have been done in the kist of April, or the first of 
May. They were of peaches. 

The bitter Almond, it is believed, would furnish the 
best stocks for peaches and apricots : as the peach worm 
is never known to attack this tree. 

The wild plum, commonly called the red plum, of New- 
England, is also recommended for this purpose. 

Any ffuii: may be multiplied, indefinitely, by planting 
the seeds, or stones, taken from a tree, standing singly : 
i.e. at such a distance from every other of the kind, or 
genus, that the farina of the blossoms shall not be mix- 
ed. This mixture is made partly by winds, blowing the 
farina a considerable distance, from blossom to blossom ; 
and partly by bees, which convey the farina, also, to a 
still greater distance. In this manner, the finest cherries, 
peaches, and plums, may be obtained from the stone. 

Cherries should be planted by laying the stones on the 
surface, and spreading over them some loose brush. 
The brush will keep the ground light, and moist ; and 
will prevent the stones from being removed or buried. 
If they are buried, they will rarely spring at all. 



of the City of New-Haven. 29 

Plums may be successfully planted in the same man- 



ner. 

Peaches may be advantageously planted in the follow- 
ing manner. Depress a small spot of the earth, previ- 
ously made light, a very little below the surface. In 
this spot set as many peach stones, as you choose, to 
such a depth, as that the sharp point of each shall be 
barely visible. Then cover the spot with a thin, fiat 
stone, until they shall have begun to germinate. This 
you will learn by taking up the stone occasionally. 
When they have had a year's growth, they should be 
transplanted. 

A very easy, and at the same time, successful, mode 
of obtaining tine peaches is the following. Take peach 
stones from a garden, which contains none but fine fruit. 
Scatter them over your garden in great numbers, and 
dig them in, M^ithout any attention. A considerable 
number of them will spring every year. All, or nearly 
all, these will produce fruit of an excellent quality : 
sometimes of the same sorts with those of the orisrinal 
trees ; at other tmies, of new sorts, formed by various 
mixtures of the farina. The new sorts will be, regular- 
ly, fine ; frequently as fine, and sometimes finer, than 
the very best of the original ones. The trees, also, will 
usually have more vigour than those, which have been 
inoculated. This experiment I have made with com- 
plete success. 

The best time for primiJig trees is when they are in 
blossom. The reason is, the wounds will be more effect- 
ually healed, than at any other time. 

For the following account of vegetable productions, 
found in New-Haven, the Academy are indebted to Dr. 
Eli Ives. The words in Capital letters denote the 
Genera, the small letters the Species. 

Scientiftc A'ame. CommoJi A'aiue. 

AcETi, Maple, 

negundo, white, 

rubium red, 

sacchaiinum, sugar, 

AciuLLEA, Yarrow, 

inillel'ol'r.1, common, 

AcoRus, Sweet Flag, 



Sciai'jjic J\''amc, Cammo7i J\^a7ne. 
calamus, 

AcTEA, cohush, 
racemosa, 

spicata, cohusli, 

j Adiantum, Maiden Haik, 

Agaricus, Agakic, 

aciiimoma, aorim.ony, 



50 



Statistical Account 



cupatoria, 


common. 


Arum, 


Indian Turnit' 


Alisma, 


Water Plan- 


tryphillum, 


[or wake robin, 


plantago, 


common, [tain. 


Asarum, 


Asarabacca, 


Allium, 


Garlick, 


arifolium. 


heart snake root, 


canadense, 


wild. 


canadense. 


coltsfoot. 


Alnus, 


Alder, 


ASCLEPIAS, 


Milk weed, 


Communis, (Clayton) || 


decumbcns. 


white root, 


Alopecurus, 


Fox TAIL Grass 


lactifera. 


common, 


pralensis, 


herds, 


pubescens, 


Indian hemp, 


Altikea, 


Marsh Mal- 


undulata, 




officinalis, 


common, [low, 


verticellata, 




Hibiscus, 




Asparagus, 


Asparagus, 


palustris, 




officinalis, 


officinal. 


Amaranthus, 


Princes feathers, 


Aster, 


Star wort, 


albus, 




novae anglix, 


New-England, 


hybridus, 




Atriplex, 


Orache, 


Ambrosia, 




Azalea, 


Honeysuckle, 


Anagallis, 


Eye Bright, 


viscosa. 


upright. 


arvensis, 


common. 


Bartsia, 


Queen of the 


Anemone, 


Wind Flower, 


coccinea 


[Meadows, 


hepatica. 


liver wort. 


Berberis, 


Barberry, 


pennsylvanica, 


thimble weed. 


vulgaris. 


common. 


thalictroidcs. 




Betula, 


Birch, 


Angelica, 


Angelica, 


alba. 


white. 


archangelica, 


officinal. 


nigra. 


black. 


Anthemis, 


Chamomile, 


BlDENS, 


CuckoldWeed 


cotula, 


may weed, 


bipinnata, 


hemlock leaved, 


Antirrhinum 


, Toad Flax, 


Cactus, 


Rock Pair, 


canadense, 


Canadian, 


opuntia, 


common, 


linaria. 


common, 


Campanula, 


Bell Flower, 


Apocynum, 


Dogs Bane, 


perfoliata. 




androscmifolium 


Canabis, 


Hemp, ^ nature 


canabinum, 


Indian hemp, 


sativa. 


common 3 alized 


AqUILEGIA, 


Columbine, 


Carduus, 


Thistle, 


canadensis 


wild, 


canadensis, 


Canadian, 


Aralia, 


Aralia, 


communis. 


common. 


nudicaulis. 


wild sarsaparilla, 


Carpinus, 


Horn Beam, 


ra,cemosa. 


spikenard. 


americana, 


american, 


spinosa, 


prickly ash. 


Cassia, 


Cassia, 


Arctium, 


Burdock, 


cham:ccrista. 




lappa, 


common. 


maiilandica. 


wild senna, 


Auenaria, 


Sandwort, 


Ceanothbs, 


N. Jersey Tea, 


liniilora, 




americanus. 


common, 


rubra, 


low century. 


Celastrus, 


Bitter Sweet, 


tenuilblia, 


ovanee q-rass. 


scandens, 


common. 


ARisroLocHiAjsnakeroot, 


Cepiialanthus Button weed. 


serpenturia, 


common. 


occidcntalis. 


or head flower, 


Artemisia, 


Wormwood, 


Cerastium, 


Mouse ear 


absinlhium, 


common, 




[chick WEED, 


santonica, 


wot mseed. 


viscosum. 


sticky. 


vulgaris, 


mugwort, 


1 vulgalum, 


common, 



of the City of Nexv-Haven. 



SI 



'Chehdoniumj Celandine, 
majus, greater, 

Chenopodium, 

album, white pig weed, 

anihelminticum,Jerusalem oak, 
Chrysanthe- Daisy, 

[mum, 
leucanthemum, common, 
CicHORiuM, Succory, 



wild, 

Enchanters 
[night shade, 
common, 
Rock Rose, 
Canadian, 

Virgin's Bow- 

[ER, 

purple, 

white bush, 

wild hyssop, 

horse radish, 

horse weed, 
Convallaria, Solomon's seal 
bifolia, 

polygonatum, common. 
Convolvulus, Bind Weed, 
purpureus, 



mtybus, 

CiRCEA, 

lutetiana, 

CrsTuS) 

canadensis, 

caroliniana, 

Clematis, 

dioica, 

purpureus, 

Clethra, 

alnifolia, 

Clinopobium, 

vulgare, 

COCHLEARIA, 

armoracia, 

Collinsonia, 

canadensis, 



sepium, 

CoRNUS, 

alba, 

canadensis, 

cericea, 

florida, 

sanguinea, 

CORYLUS, 

americana, 

CUSCUTA, 

reflexa, 

scolymus, 

Datura, 

Stramonium, 

Daucus, 

sylvestris. 



common. 
Dog wood, 
v/hiie berried, 

red willow, 
common, 

Hazle Nut, 
common, 
Dodder, 
common, 



Thorn apple, 
common. 
Carrot, 
wild, 

Dracontium, Skunk's cab- 
foetidum, common,[BAGE, 

Epilobium, 



palustre, 
Erythr^jjum, 
dens cariis, 

EUPATORIUM, 

canabinum, 

perfoliatum, 

scandcns, 

sessilifolium, 

vcrticillatum, 

Faous, 

castanea, 

sylvatica, 

Fragaria, 

carolinia, 

vesca, 

virginiana, 

Fraxinus, 



Galenia, 

decumbens, 

Galium, 

bermudianum, 

parisience, 

uliginosum, 

Gaultheria, 

procumbens, 

Gerardia, 

flava, 

purpurea, 

quercifolia, 

tenuifolia. 

Geranium, 

robertianum, 

sanguineum, 

Geum, 

livale, 

urbanum, 

Gnaphalxum, 

gratissimum, 

Hamamelis, 

virginica, 

Hkdysarum, 

Helianthus, 
divaiicatus, 
IIelleuorus, 
frifolius, 

HUMULUS, 

sylvestris. 



[olet, 
dog's tooth vi- 



thorough wort, 



gravel root, 

Beech, 

chesnut, 

beech nut. 

Strawberry, 

meadow, 

common, 

wild, 

Ash, 

white, 

swamp, 

phthisic weed. 
Ladies' bed 
com'n, [straw, 
wild liquorice, 
bastard wild do. 
Wintergreem 
chickberry, 

yellow, 



Crane's bill, 



AvENS root, 

water, 
common, 

everlasting, 

witch hazel, 
St. FoiN wild, 

Sun flower, 
wild, 

r;;old thread? 

Hop, 

wild. 



32 



Statistical Account 



Hyoscyamus, Henbane, 
niger, black, 

Hypericum, St.John'swort 
maculatum, spotted, 
perforatum, common, 
Hypoxis, Star flower, 

erecta, common, 

Impatiens, 

noli me tangere, clear wort, 
Imperatoria, 

master wort. 
Inula, 
helenium, 
Iris, 

pseudacorus 
versicolor, 

JUGLANS, 

alba, 

amara, 

cinerea, 

squamosa, 

Junipeuus, 

communis, 

virginiana, 

Kalmia, 

latafolia, 

Lactuca, 

virosa, 

Laurus, 

benzoin, 

sassafras, 

Leontodon, 

taraxacum, 

Leonurus, 

cardiaca, 

marriibiastrum, 

Ligustrum, Prim, 

\ulgare, common, 

LiLiuM, Lily, 

canadcnse, Canadian, 

pennsylvanicum Pennsylvanian, 

LiquiD AMBER, Sweet Fern, 

styraciflua, common, 

Liriodendron, Tulip Tree, or 

tulipifera, white wood. 

Lobelia, Lobelia, 

cardinalis, meadow pink, 

inflata, Indian tobacco, 

linearis, 

urens, 

LONICERA, 



elecampane. 
Flower de 
blue flag, [luce, 

Walnut, 

wliite, 

bitter, 

butternut, 

shagbark, 

Juniper, 

common, 

red cedar, 

Laurel, 

ivy, 

Lettuce, 

wild. 

Laurel, 

spice bush, 

sassafras. 

Dandelion, 

common, 

Mother wort, 

common, 



Honey Suckle, 



diervilla, 

semper virens, 

Lvdwegia, 

alternifolia, 

Lupinus, 

perennis, 

Lycopus, 

virginicus, 

Lythkum, 

salicifolia, 

verlicillata, 

Malva, 

americana, 

Marrubium, 

vulgare, 

Matricaria, 

aquatica, 

Medeola, 

virginica, 

Mentha, 

pulegium, 

viridis, 

MiMULUS, 

ringens, 

MiTCHELLA, 

rcpens, 

Monotropa, 

hypopilhys, 

MORUS, 

alba, 

nigra, 

Myrica, 

cerifera, 

Nepeta, 

cataria. 

Nymphs, 

alba, 

lutca, 

Nyssa, 

aquatica, 

CEnothera, 

biennis, 

Onosma, 

asperifolia. 

Orchis, 

ciliavis, 

palmata, 

OXALIS, 

acetocella, 

Penthorum, 

scdoidcs, 



[lane. 
Water Purs- 

Lupine, 

[hound, 
Water Hore- 
common, 
Willow Herb, 
common, 

Mallows, 

common, 

Horehound, 

common. 

Feverfew, 

water, 

wild cucumber, 
Mint, 
pennyroyal, 
spear. 

Monkey Flow- 
common, [er, 

Patridge berry, 

Beech drop, 

common. 

Mulberry, 

white, 

black, 

Bayberry, 

common, 

Catnep, 

common, 

Pond Lily, 

white, 

yellow, 

Tupelo Tree. 

Pepperidge, 

Scabish} 



Orchis, 
orange colored. 

Wood Sorrel, 
common, 



of the City of Kew-Haveiu 



33 



Physalis, 
viscosa, 
Phytolacca, 
decandra, 

PiNUS, 

abies, 
pinea, 
strobus, 

PiSUM, 

maiitimum, 

Plantago, 

major, 

virginica, 

Platanus, 

occidentalis, 

POA, 

annua, 

compressa, 

Polygonum, 

arifolium, 

aviculare, 

convolvulus, 

liydropiper, 

pennsylvanicum 

sagittatum, 

setosum, 

PoLYPODIUM, 

vulgare, 

PoPULUS, 

nigra, 
tremuloides, 

PORTULACCA, 

oleracia, 

PoTENTILLA, 

canadensis, 
frageroides, 
pennsylvanica, 

POTEUIUM, 

sanguisorba, 

Prunella, 

pennsylvanica, 

Prunus, 

americana, 

canadensis, 

inaritima, 

jnontana, 

\irginiana, 

Pyrola, 

minor, 

rotundifolia, 

umbellata; 



ground cherry, 

PoKEWEED, 

common. 

Pine Tree, 

hemlock, 

yellow, 

white. 

Pea, 

sea. 

Plantain, 

great, 

Virginian, 

Button Wood, 

common. 

Meadow Grass 

dwarf, 

blue grass, 



knot grass, 
bind weed, 
water pepper, 

scrach grass, 

PoLYPOD, 

common. 

Poplar Tree, 

black, 

aspen. 

Purslane, 

common, 

ClNQUEFOIL, 



Burnet, 
common. 
Self heal, 
common, 
Cherry Tree, 
yellow plum, 

beach plum, 
mountain, 
black, 

Wintergreen 
princes pine, 
shin leaf, 



Pyrus, 

communis, 

coronai'ia, 

QUERCUS 

alba, 

montana, 

nigra, 

rubra, 

Ranunculus, 

bulbosus, 

scelleratus, 

Rhexia, 

mariana, 

Rhus, 

copallinum, 

glabrura, 

radicans, 

toxicodendron, 

typhynum, 

vernix, 

Ribes, 

nigra, 

Robinia, 

pseud-acacia, 

Rosa, 

canina, 

rubiginosa, 

Rubus, 

occidentalis, 

odoratus, 

RUMEX, 

acetosella, 

acutus, 

brittanica, 

Sagittaria, 

sagitifolia, 

Salicornia, 

virginica, 

Salix, 

alba, 

viticellina, 

Sambvcus, 

canadensis, 

nigra, 

Sanicula, 

marilandica, 

Saracenia, 

purpurea, 

ScANDIX, 

odoratii, 



Pear, 

common, 

crab apple, 

Oak, 

white, 

mountain, 

black, 

red, 

Crow Foot, 



Sumach, 

common, 

mercury, 

poison oak, 

stags horn, 

poison ash, 

Currants, 

black. 

Locust Tree, 

common, 

Rose, 

wild, 

sweet briar, 

Rasberry, 

wild, 

mountain, 

Dock, 

sheep sorrel, 

sharp pointed. 

Arrow Head, 
arrow leaved, 

samphire. 

Willow, 

white, 

yellow, 

Elder, 

common, 
Sanicle, 
common, 
Side Saddle 

[Flower, 
purple. 
Cicely, 
sweet scented, 



34 



Statistical Account 



procumbens 

SCROI'HULARIA 

raarilandica, 

Scutellaria, 

galericulata, 

hyssopifolia, 

Senecio, 

hieracifolius, 

Serratula, 

SiDA, 

Silene, 

stellata, 

viscosa, 

Sinapis, 

nigra, 

Sisymbrium, 

'nasturtium, 

SiSYRINCHIUM, 

anceps, 

Smilax, 

laurifolia, 

Solanum, 

dulcamara, 

nigrum, 

SoLIDAGO, 

canadensis, 
virga aurea, 

SONCHVS, 

palustris, 

SOPHORA, 

flavecens, 

Spibea, 

salicifolia, 

ulmaria, 

Statice, 

limonium, 

SlUM, 

rigidum, 

Symphitum, 

officinale, 

Tanacetum, 

vulgaiis, 

Teucrium, 

canadense, 

Thalictuum, 

dioicum, 

Thlaspi, 



,FlG\VORT, 

common, 
Scull-cap, 
helmet shaped, 

Ground Sel, 

Devil's bit, 
SiDA Mai-lows, 



IVIUSTARD, 

black, 

watercress, 

blue grass, 

green briar, 
Nightshade, 
woody bitter- 
common, [sweet 
Golden Rod, 

common, 
Sow Thistle, 
marsh, 

wild indigo, 
Spirea, 



marsh rosemary 
Water Pau- 

[SNIP, 

rough cow par- 

Comfrey, [snip 

officinal, 

Tanset, 

common. 

Germander, 

common, 

mcadov/ rue, 



bursa pastoris, 

Thuya, 

occidentalis, 

Tilia, 

americana, 

Trifolium, 

arvcnse, 

pratense, 

repens, 

Triosteum, 

perfoliatum, 

tussilago, 

Typpha, 

latifolia, 

Vaccinium, 

corymbosum, 

ligustrum, 

macro carpon, 

Veratrum, 

album, 

Verbascum, 

thaspus. 

Verbena, 

hastata, 

urticifolia, 

Veronica, 

virginica. 

Viburnum, 

dentatum,' 

opulus, 

ViCIA, 

cracca, 

Viola, 

canadensis, 

obliqua, 

\'^itis, 

labrusca, 

vulpina, 

Ulmus, 

americana, 

fulva, 

Uutica, 

aquatica, 

inermis, 

UVULARIA, 

perlbliata, 

Xyris, 

indica> 



shepherd's purse 

white cedar, 

Bass Wood, 

common, 

Clover, 

downy, 

meadow, 

white, 

wild gentian, 
Colt's Foot, 

Cat's Tail, 
Whortleber- 
Bilberry, [ry, 
common, 
cranberry, 

WhiteHellebore 
Mullein, 
great. 
Vervain, 



[ic Root, 
Culver or Phys- 



snow ball, 
Vetch, 
common, 
Violet, 



Grape, 
black, 
frost, 

Elm TreE; 
common, 
slippery, 
Nettle, 
water, 
smooth, 
Grape Wort, 
common, 
Yellow-eyed 
common,[GRA6s, 



of the City of Nero-Haven. 35 

Tlie number of tenants is here so small, and the cir- 
cumstances are so far peculiar, that no valuable informa- 
tion can be derived from the existing state of facts- 
The lands leased are commonly taken, on the condition 
of returning a part of the produce, according to a speci- 
fic agreement between the proprietor and the lessee. 
They are commonly leased, only for one, or a very few 
years. 

The emigratioi^s from the city of New-Haven are so 
irregular, as to admit of no correct estimate. The great 
body of the emigrants are merchants, mechanics or sea- 
men ; the principal part of whom remove to other com- 
mercial towns in the U. States, and the rest to foreign 
countries, for the purpose of carrying on their respective 
occupations to greater advantage. The places of these 
emigrants are continually supplied by immigration ; as 
is evident from the fact, that, although new houses are 
annually erected here, every house is full ; and many 
contain two or more families. The same fact is still 
more definitely exhibited, by the increase of the citizens 
since the year 1800. 

As New-Haven is the shire town of this county, all the 
capital punishments in the county have been inflicted here* 
The whole number of these is thirteen : one of them^ 
however, was the execution of a man, pursuant to the 
sentence of a court martial, for enlisting soldiers to fight 
against the country, in the time of the revolutionary war. 
In what part of the country the man was resident, I am 
ignorant. He had lately crossed from Long-Island; and 
was apprehended somewhere on the coast. His name 
was Griswold. 

The first person executed, was a Pequod ; who was 
hung for some of his conduct in the Pequod war. He 
was executed in 1639. 

The two next were executed for bestiality, in 1642 
and 1655. 

The next for sodomy, in 1655. 

The next for bestiality, in 1662. 

Three of these, perhaps the fourth, came from Eng- 
land. 

The three next were Indians ; probably Quinnipiacks ; 



36 Statistical Accoimt 

who, in the woods of East- Haven, murdered one of the 
colonists in 1700. 

The next was a black woman, who cut the throat of 
her master's daughter, at Wallingford ; apparently with 
the hope, that she might cease to be a slave, and return, 
as she said, to her own country. 

The next was an Indian, Moses Paul, executed for 
murdering a Mr. Cook, of Waterbury, in 1772. 

The next was Griswold, in 1778. ' 

The last was a black man, named Joseph Mountain, 
executed for a rape, in 1790. Of the whole number, 
executed during the one hundred and seventy-three 
years, which have elapsed since New- Haven was set- 
tled, 

5 were whites ; 

5 were Indians ; and 

3 were blacks. 

Of the whites, all, except Griswold, and one more, 
were born in England ; and all but Griswold were exe- 
cuted during the first twenty-four years after the arrival 
of the colonists. It is to be remembered, that, although 
the superior classes of the NcAV-Haven colonists were 
distinguished for excellence of character, the peasantry, 
and servants, were generally not less distinguished for 
vice and profligacy. 

One native of New- Haven, only, has ever suffered for 
a capital crime ; a boy 15 years of age; if, indeed, he 
was born here. It is to observed however, that two 
children in New-Haven, and one in Milford, were, in the 
years 1653, 1656, and 1663, convicted of arson ; but 
had their lives spared, on account of their tender age. 

There have been also thirteen instances of suicide in 
this town, shice its first settlement. One, a woman, sup- 
posed to be under the influence of disappointed love. 

One, a man, under the influence of jealousy. 

One, a Frenchman, from vexation. 

One, a Dutchman, intoxicated. 

One, a young gentleman from South-Carolina, \w\\o 
was studying law at Litchfield, rode to the skirts of this 
town ; and, having sent his servant forward, alighted un- 
der a tree on the western border of the new burying 



of the City of New- Haven. 37 

ground, and shot himself upon the day of the pubUc 
Commencement of Yale College, anno 1796. 

One, a woman, is said to have been afflic'ted with re- 
ligious melancholy. 

One is said to have been insane. 

Four of these were not natives of New- Haven. Of 
the remainder, some, it is not known how many, were 
born here. 

It is not easy to determine when pleasure carriages 
first began to be used in New-Haven. Fifty years since, 
there were but four chaises and chairs. There are now 
from ninety to a hundred made in a year. 

The manufactures of this town are chiefly included in 
the following list : 

Leather, Candles, 

Boots, Scythes, 

Shoes, Nails, 

Saddlery, , Axes, 

Morocco Leather, Tin Ware, 

Bellows, Combs, 

Leather Gloves, Paper, 

Worsted Gloves, Powder, 

Mittins, Brushes, 

Pleasure Carriages, Cabinet work, 

Cordage, Windsor and other Chairs, 

Hats, • A great variety of articles in 

Clocks, gold and silver, 

Brass Furniture, &c. Trunks, 

Bells, Straw Hats. 

Soap, 

Eli Whitney, Esq. a gentleman born at Westborough, 
in Massachusetts, educated at Yale College, and after- 
ward for many years a resident in this town, is the author 
of a machine, entirely new, both in its form and princi- 
ples, for cleansing the upland cotton, cultivated in the 
southern states, irom its seeds. They were formerly 
picked out with the hand : and to cleanse a pound was 
esteemed a laborious day's work. With the aid of this 
machine, one person will cleanse a thousand pounds in a 
day with great ease. As a labour-saving machine, there- 
fore, it has probably never been equalled. 



5'8 Statistical Account 

From the returns made to the Treasury Dcpartmen'-, 
it appears, that in the year endinj^; Sept. 30th, 1807, more 
than fifty-fi, e millions of pounds of this cotton were ex- 
ported from the United States to foreign markets. The 
quantity manufactured in the United States, in the same 
lime, is estimated at five millions more. Sixty millions 
of pounds, therefore, valued at twenty cents per pound, 
and amounting to twelve millions of "dollars, have, in a 
single year, been added, by the operation of this machine, 
to the stock of human comforts. 

The manufacture of these machines was, for a number 
of years, carried on by Mr. Whitney in this town. 

This species of cotton was never brought to market, 
until after the invention of this machine. 

The same gentleman has established, near the northern 
boundary of New- Haven, a manufactory of fire arms. It 
stands upon Mill river, already mentioned ; a stream 
which, furnishing a copious supply of water round the 
year, is happily fitted for every kind of water works. 

In this manufactory muskets are made in a manner 
which I believe to be singular. In forming the various 
parts of the musket, machinery, put in motion by water, 
and remarkably well adapted to the end, is used for ham- 
mering, cutting, turning, perforating, grinding, polish- 
ing, &:c. The proportions and relative positions of the 
locks are so exactly alike, and the screws, springs, and 
other limbs so nearly similar, that they may be transfer- 
red from one lock and adjusted to another, without any 
material alteration. This desirable object is accomplish- 
ed by an apparatus which is simple, and at the same time 
ingenious and peculiar. By an application of the same 
prmciples, a much greater uniformity has also been given 
to every part of the muslcets, made in this manufactory^ 
tlian can be found in those made in any other place. The 
advantages, in actual service, resulting from this unusual 
degree of unifi^rmity, are too obvious to need explana- 
tion. 

This establislnnenl was undertaken by the proprietor 
without having, himself, hud any experience in the man- 
ufacture of fire arms : and all the workmen, employed 
in bringing it into operation, were wholly unskilled ia 



of the City of New-Haven. 



the art : none of them having ever wrought at any branch 
of the business. Under these circumstances he was ne- 
cessitated to adopt methods of his own : and, as skilful 
artists were not to be obtained, to devise a system, in 
%vhich the more faithful and correct operations of ma- 
chinery should supply the v/ant of experience in the 
workmen. Hence modes of working iron, steel, and 
other metals and materials, have been introduced, which 
are nev/ and peculiar; and which experience has she^\■!i 
to be practically and eminently useful. 
There are in New-Haven, 

29 houses concerned in foreign trade, 

41 stores of dry goods, 

42 grocery stores, 

4 ship chandlery do. 

2 \vholesale hardware do. 

3 wholesale dry goods do. 

1 wholesale glass and crockery do. 
1 furrier's do. 
10 apothecary do. 

6 traders in lumber, 

1 of paper hangings, 

5 tallow chandlers, 

2 brass founders, 

3 brasiers, 

29 blacksmiths, 
1 bell founder, 
9 tanners, 

30 shoe and boot makers, 
9 carriage makers, 

7 goldsmiths, 

4 watchmakers, 

6 shoe stores, 

7 manufactories of bats, 

5 hat stores, 

4 harness makers, 

5 cabinet makers. 
About 50 carpenters, 

There are 

5 printing-presses, 
4 book stores. 



3 comb-makers, 

4 windsor-chair-makers., 
1 engraver, 

14 coopers, 

1 wheelright, 
1 leather dresser, 

1 nailer, 

15 masons, 

3 stone cutters, 

2 book binder, 
26 tailors, 

7 currries, 

4 printers, 

5 barbers, 

3 tinners, 

2 pnper makers, 
2 block makers. 



40 Statistical Account 

2 newspapers published, 

3 rope -walks, 
2 sail-lofts, 

1 ship-yard, 

5 bakers, 

17 butcher's stalls. 
16 schools; 12 inns. 
There are also 

6 clergymen, 
16 lawyers, 

9 practising physicians, 
1 surgeon. 

We have no breweries. A considerable brewery was 
erected here by some Englishmen, a few years since; 
but the principal buildings having been burned, it was 
discontinued. 

Among the fish found in the harbour and streams of 
New-Haven, are the following : 

Roach, Shiners, 

Place, Yellow Fins, 

Flounders, Dumb fish. 

River Bass, or Rock fish. Blue fish. 

Sea Perch, Frost fish, 

Shad, Sheepshead, 

Greenbacks, Eels, 

Black fish. Trout, and, now and then, a 

White fish, Salmon. 

Succomogs, 

None of these fish are caught in the winter, except 
Eels and Frost-fish. The rest, except Shad and TFhite- 
Jish, are not sufficiently numerous to make fishing a seri- 
ous business. Shad are taken in considerable numbers, 
when the season is favourable, and were formerly much 
more numerous. In the Quinnipiack, a little below 
Dragon bridge, 2400 have been taken at a single 
draught. Considerable numbers are also taken about a 
mile above, at the place called Lime Hollow, and in vari- 
ous places, as high as Wallingford. Of such importance 
was the fishery esteemed, that a considerable number of 
law suits were carried on for the purpose of acquiring, 
or defending titles to the fishing places. 



i 



of the City of New- Haven. 41 

Beside these fish, a variety of others, which are not 
eatable, are found occasionally in our waters. Amonp" 
them are the Shark, the Porpoise, the Sturgeon, the 
Dog-fish, the Toad-fish, &c. Sharks are rare ; and 
neither the porpoise, nor the sturgeon, very common. 

The shell fish, found here, are the oyster, the long 
clam, the round clam, the muscle, the escallop, the lob- 
ster, the crab, the tortoise, the periwinkle, the shrimp, 
&c. / 

Oysters abound. The principal oyster beds are in the 
Quinnipiack ; where, according to the best computation, 
between four and five hundred thousand bushels are an- 
nually caught ; principally between the two lower bridg- 
es. These oysters are small but well flavoured Beside 
constituting a supply for the market in New- Haven, and 
for the neighboring towns, they are opened, and convey- 
ed in kegs into the interior of this State, into Massachu- 
setts, New-Hampshire, Vermont, and the State of New- 
York. A considerable village has been raised up by this 
fishery on the borders of the Quinnipiack. 

Long and round clams are also, both caught in con- 
siderable quantities. 

Formerly the harbor of New-Haven furnished oys- 
ters in great quantities, and of a veiy fine flavour. Those 
which were taken in Morris' Cove, which were found in 
great abundance till about the year 1770, v/ere superior 
to any other, which I have e^'er tasted. The bed was 
destroyed about that period. The destruction was oc- 
casioned by a storm from the south-west, which over- 
whelmed the bed with a mass of mud. 

Oysters, in order to flourish, demand a firm bottom, or 
some other firm substance, to which their spawn may ad- 
here. The mud of this harbour is very soft and lubri- 
cous; and wherever it is spread, prevents the young 
fish from acquiring that stable position, which seems in- 
dispensable to its prosperity, and even to the continuance 
of its life. At the same time, the mud by its increase, 
and also by its fluctuations, covers these animals on the 
bottom ; and in this manner becomes fatal to their mul- 
tiplication. It is supposed, that the increase of mud in 
the harbour has been injiu'ious to fish of other kinds. 



42 Statistical Account 

Ship building* is but little followed here, at the present 
time. Formerly it was a considerable cmployuient. — 
The reason of its decline is undoubtedly this : that ves- 
sels can be built at a rate, somewhat cheaper, in the 
neighboring towns. 

There are eight principal roads which centre at New- 
Haven ; to New- York, to New-Milford, through Der- 
by, to Woodbury through Humphreysville, to Litch- 
field, to Farmington, to Hartford, to Middletown, and to 
Saybrook. These, together with their branches, pro- 
ceed to every part of the United States, The six first 
are turnpike roads. 

There are seven bridges in New-Haven ; Harbour 
bridge, Dragon bridge, Long bridge. Neck bridge, 
Thompson's bridge, Derby Turnpike bridge, and West 
bridge. The three first are over the Quinnipiack ; the 
three last are over West river. The Harbour bridge, 
erected below the junction of Mill river with the Quin- 
nipiack, and at the entrance of the common stream into 
the harbor, is the only one of these which deserves a de- 
scription. This bridge is half a mile in length, and 27 
feet in breadth. One half of it consisted originally of 
two piers of stone, commencing at the two shores, and 
occupying each, one fourth of the whole distance. The 
remainder was a bridge, built on wooden piers, or tres- 
tles. These were, in many instances, destroyed by the 
sea worms, within five or six years ; and demanded con- 
tinual repairs. In the beginning of February, 1807, 
this part of the structure was swept away by a deluge. 
The same year it was repaired ; when the stone piers 
were so far extended, as to occupy the whole distance, 
except 30 rods. The whole expense has amounted to 
60,000 dollars. The stock is divided into sixty shares ; 
more than one half of which is the property of Isaac 
Tomlinson, Esq. LTnder the direction of this gentle- 
man, a valuable wharf of stone has been extended from 
the south side of the bridge, along the western borders 
of the channel. From this wharf the largest vessels, 
vised in our commerce, can take in their cargoes. In 
1810, the profits of this Bridge were sold at auction for 
Fifteen Huodred Dollars. 



of the City of New-Have?!, 43 

I know of no efficacious defence against sea-worms, 
beside either sheathing with copper, or driving iron nails 
so near to each other, as to stain the whole surface of the 
wood. The Scottish larch is said not to be eaten by 
these worms ; and the same has been asserted of the 
hickory. Wood, on which the bark has been left, is 
much less eaten than that, which has been stripped, or 
hewn. 

There is no ferry in this to^vn. 

The number of houses for public worship in New- Ha- 
ven is six; three Presbyterian, one Episcopalian, one 
Methodist, and the College Chapel. 

The first Church in this town was formed under a very 
large oak tree in George-street, near the junction of 
College-street. The building, in which they first met, 
was finished in 1646. 

The White-Haven Church was formed May, 1742, 

Fair-Haven Church was formed June 10th, 1770. 

White-Haven and Fair-Kaven Churches and Congre- 
gations were reunited, under the name of the United So- 
ciety, in 1796. 

The Episcopal Congregation was formed in the year 
1755. 

The methodist Congregation Vv'as formed in the vear 
1807. 

The first Minister of the First Society was the cele- 
brated Mr. John Davenport ; a man eminently distin- 
guished in the history of his own times for Iiis talents, 
learning, zeal and piety. With him Mr. Samuel Eaton, 
Mr. William Hook, and Mr. Nicholas Street, were 
teaching elders, and Mr. Robert Nevv^iian ruling Elder. 
Mr. Davenport removed to Boston in 1667; and died 
March 16th, 1670, aged 73. After his removal to Bos- 
ton, Mr. Street continued the only teacher of this Con- 
gregation, until his death, April 22d, 1674. The Con- 
gregation was without a Minister from that time 'till Ju- 
ly 2d, 1684 ; when the Rev. James Pierpont was ordain- 
ed as their Pastor, and continued in this office till his 
death, which took place Nov. 14, 1714. Under his 
Ministry the Church and Congregation, which had nev- 
er been entirely harmonious before, became, and con- 



44 Statistical Account 

tinned, very happily united. Mr. Picrpont was a man 
ol" exemplary piety, uncommon prudence, and very ami- 
able manners ; and was eloquent and mighty in the 
Scriptures. 

From the death of Mr. Street the offices of teaching 
and ruling Elder ceased. 

Mr. Pierpont was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph 
Noyes, July 4, 1716. 

March 1st, 1758, the Rev. Chauncey Whittlesey was 
ordained his colleague. 

Mr. Noyes died June 14, 1761, in the 73d year of his 
age. He was a discerning and judicious man, prudent, 
hospitable and patient; but more distinguished for the 
readiness and propriety of his prayers, than for the elo- 
quence of his discourses. He was first a Tutor and af- 
terwards a Fellow, of Yale- College. 

Mr. Whittlesey died July 24, 1787, aged 70. He was 
six years a Tutor in Yale-Coilege, and was greatly res- 
pected by his pupils for his learning and science, his af- 
fability and dignity, his philanthropy and integrity. As 
a Minister he was deservedly holden in high respect ; 
and the Congregation under his pastoral care was har- 
monious and happy. 

Mr. Whittlesey was succeeded April 29, 1789, by the 
Rev. Doctor James Dana , who was dismissed January 
21, 1806, at his own request. Doctor Dana is still liv- 
ing. 

The Rev. Moses Stuart was ordained March 5th, 
1806 ; and was dismissed January 9, 1810, having been 
chosen Professor of Sacred Literature in the Theologi- 
cal Seminary at Andover, in Massachusetts. 

The first Minister of the White-Haven Congregation 
was the Rev. Samuel Bird, formerly pastor of the church 
in Dunstable, Massachusetts. He was installed here Oc- 
tober, 13, 1751, and was dismissed at his request, Janu- 
ary 19di, 1768. He died May 3, 1784, aged 64. 

Mr. Bird was succeeded by the Rev. Doctor Jonathan 
Edwards. He was dissmissed May 19, 1795. In Jan* 
uary 1796, he was installed pastor of the church in Cole- 
brook, in the County of Litchfield. In June, 1799, he 
was elected President of Union College in Shenectady. 



\ 



of the City of Nexv- Haven, 45' 

in this office he continued till his death ; which took 
place August 1st, 1801, in the 57th year of his age, 
' The character of Dr. Edwards is sufficiently well 
} known. 

The first pastor of Fair-Haven church was the Rev, 
Allyn Mather, who was ordained February 3d, 1773. 
He died Nov. -4, 1784, at Savannah, in Georgia, (whith- 
er he went for the recovery of his health,) aged 37. 

The Rev. Samuel Austhi, successor to Mr. Mather, 
was ordained pastor of this Church Nov. 9, 1786; and 
dismissed Jan. 19, 1790. Doctor Austin is now pastor 
of the first church in Worcester, Massachusetts. 

The first Minister of the United Congregation was the 
Rev. John Gemmil; who v/as installed Nov. 7th, 1798 ; 
and was dismissed Nov. 22, 1802, He is still living. 
The second Minister of this Congregation is the Rev. 
Samuel Merw in ; ordained February 13, 1805. 

The Rev. Ebenezer Punderson was the first Minister 
of the Episcopal Society ; in which he continued from 
1755 to 1702 ; when he removed to Rye, in the St^ate of 
New- York, where he died at an advanced age. 

The Rev. Solomon Palmer succeeded him, in 1763, 
and continued until 1766. He removed to Litchfield, 
in this State, where he died soon after. 

The present Minister, the Rev. Doctor Bela Hub- 
bard, took the charge of this Congregation in the au- 
tumn of 1767, The Rev. Henry Whitlock was institu- 
ted Assistant Minister, August 29th, 1811. 
I t The salary of the last Minister, in the First Society, 
was 800 doll;«rs per annum. Mr. Whitlock's salary is 
the same. Mr. Merwin's is 700. 

Each of the Congregations in this town is possessed 
of a fund for the support of the Ministry. The fund of 
the First Society amounts to 11,685 dollars and 10 cents; 
and consists of bank stock and money at interest. 

The fund of the United Society is 4,682 dollars ; and 
consists of money at interest. 

The fund of the Episcopal Society consists of lands 
in the city of New- Haven; the rents of which amount 
to 569 dollars and 75 cents, annually. They will soon 

H 



46 Statistical Account 

produce more ; as several of the leases will expire after 
a short time, and the rents will of course be raised. 

The number of Schools in the townshij) of New-Ha- 
ven in the year 1801, as taken by Noah Webster, jun, 
Esq. one of the visitors, were fifteen public, and six 
private, schools ; 21. The number of children, taught 
in them, was 787. To these have l^een since added two 
private schools : one of them a female Academy, estab- 
lished b}^ the Rev. Mr. Herrick. 

The first of these, in order, is Hopkins' Grammar 
School. 

The Hon. Edward Hopkins, Esq. for some time Gov- 
ernor of the colony of Connecticut, bequeathed "the 
principal part of his estate, in New-England, to Tlieoph- 
ilus Eaton, Esq. Mr. Davenport, Mr. John Cullick, and 
Mr. William Goodwin, for the breeding up hopeful 
youths in a Vvay of learning, both at the grammar school 
and college, for the public service of the country in fu- 
ture times." This property was estimated at about a 
thousand pounds sterling; and was ultimately divided 
into three parts; one of which was retained at New-Ha- 
ven, another was carried to Hartford, and another to 
Hadley, in Massachusetts. That part of the legacy 
which was left in this town, produces annually the sum 
of 70/. There is a decent school house, together with 
the land on which it stands, belonging to this institution, 

A small sum is paid by the students for tuition. The 
number of students is considerably varied at different 
times. 

There are two schools designed for English students. 
One of these is called Union School, the other the New 
Township Academy. Both have two departments, one 
for males, the other for females : both are good schools, 
Flach contains, ordinarily, from eighty to a hundred chil- 
dren. The Union School was incorporated Nov. 1801 ? 
the New Township Academy May, 1809. The remain- 
der are either the ordinary parochial schools, or private 
schools of a similar character. 

The object which, in this class, is undoubtedly far the 
most interesting in a statistical account of New-HaveUj 
is Yale College. 

TJiis seminary is commonly said to liave been founded 



of the City of Neiv-Haven. 4n 

m the year 1700. Ten of the principal ministers, nomi- 
nated by a general consent, both of the clergy and the 
inhabitants of Connecticut, viz. 

The Rev. James Noyes, of Stonington, 
Israel Chaunccy, of Stratford, 
Thomas Buckingham, of Saybrook, 
Abraham Pierson, of Killingworth, 
Samuel Mather, of Windsor, 
Samuel Andrew, of Milford, 
Timothy Woodbridge, of Hartford, 
James Pierpont, of New-Haven, 
Noadiah Russel, of Middletown, and 
Joseph Webb, of Fairfield, 
met at New-Haven; and formed themselves into a soci- 
ety, which, they determined, should consist of eleven 
ministers; including a rector; and agreed to found a 
college in the colony. At their next meeting, which 
was at Branford the same year, each of them brought a 
number of books ; and, presenting them to the society, 
said, " I give these books for the founding of a college ' 
m this colony." Antecedently to this event, the subject 
had been seriously canvassed by the clergy, particularly 
Mes::.rs. Pierpont, Andrew, and Russell, of Branford,and 
by the people at large, during the two preceding years ; 
and had come thus far towards maturity. 

The first house in the colony of Connecticut was erect- 
ed in the year 1635 ; and the first in tlie colony of New- 
Haven in 1637. 

The act of the legislature which gave birth to Harvard 
College, was passed in 1636. Only ten years, therefore, 
elapsed after the beginning of a settlement in Massachu- 
setts, before a college was commenced in earnest: where- 
as sixty-five years passed away after the colonization of 
Connecticut was begun, and uixty-thrce after that of 
New-Haven, before any serious attempt was made to- 
ward the founding of Yale College. But we are not 
hence to conclude, that the colonists of Connecticut and 
New- Haven were at all less friendly to learning than 
those of Massachusetts. The project of establishing a 
college in each of these colonies was very early taken up; 
but was checked by well founded remonstrances from 
the people of Massachusetts; who very justly observed. 



48 Statistical Account 

-that the whole population of New- England was scarcely 
sufficient to support one institution of this nature, and 
that the estabhshment of a second would, in the end, be 
a sacrifice of both. These considerations put a stop to 
the design for a considerable time. 

Of the serious design of the New-Haven colonists to 
estabhsh a college, the following document, copied from 
the records of Guilford, furnishes decisive evidence. 

"At a General Court, held at Guilford, June 28th, a. 
D. 1652. 

"Voted, ' the matter about a college at New-Haven, 
was thought to be too great a charge for us of this juris- 
diction to undergo alone^ especially considering the un- 
settled state of New-Haven town ; being publicly declar- 
ed, frofn the deliberate judgment of the most understand- 
ing men, to be a place of no comfortable subsistence for 
the present inhabitants there. But if Connecticut do 
join, the planters are generally willing to bear their just 
proportions for erecting and maintaining of a college 
there. However, they desire thanks to Mr. Goodyear, 
for his kind proffer, to the setting forwai^d of such a 
work." 

In October, 1701, the legislature granted these gentle- 
men a charter, constituting them "Trustees of a Colle- 
giate School in his Majesty's Colony of Connecticut;" 
and invested them with all the powers which were sup- 
posed to be necessary for the complete execution of their 
trust. 

The following November, they chose one of their 
nimiber, Mr. Pierson, rector of the school ; and deter- 
mined, that it should be fixed, for the present, at Say- 
brook. 

In the year 1702, the first Commencement was held 
at Saybrook ; at which five young gentlemen received 
the degree of A.M. 

From this time many debates arose concerning the 
place where the school should be finally established ; and 
continued to agitate the community until the yeai' 1718. 
In 1716, a majority of the trustees voted, on the 17th of 
October, to remove the school to New-Haven. Four of 
^their number, out of nine, were hovvcver strongly against 



of the City of New -Haven. 4§ 

it : and the community was equally disunited. The trus- 
tees, nevertheless, proceeded to hold^the Commence- 
ment, the following year, at New-Haven, and to order a 
college to be erected. It was accordingly raised in Oc- 
tober, 1717, and finished the following year. This build- 
ing they were enabled to erect by a considerable number 
of donations, which they had received for this purpose, 
both within and without the colony. Their principal 
benefactor, both during this period, and all which have 
succeeded, was the legislature. 

Among the individuals who diytinguished themselves 
by their beneficence to this infant institution, was the 
Hon. Elihu Yale, Esq. of London, Governor of the East- 
India Company. This gentleman was descended of an 
ancient and respectable family in Wales ; which for ma- 
ny generations possessed the manor of Plas Grannow, 
near Rexon. His father, Thomas Yale, P'.sq. came from 
England with the first colonists of New-Haven. In this 
town his son Elihu was born, April 5th, 1648. He 
wentvto England at ten years of age ; and to Hindoostau 
at thirty. In that country he resided about 20 years ; 
was made Governor of Madras ; and married the widow 
of Governor Hinmers, his predecessor. By this lady he 
had three daughters : one of which married Dudley 
North, Esquire ; and another, Lord James Cavendish, 
uncle to the Duke of Devonshire. Having acquired a 
large fortune, he returned to London ; was chosen Gov- 
ernor of the Eust-India Company; and died at Rexon, 
July 8th, 1721. 

This gentleman sent, in several donations, to the Col- 
legiate school, 500 pounds sterling, between 1714 and 
1718 ; and, a little before his death, ordered goods to be 
sent out, to the value of 500 pounds more ; but they 
were never received. 

In gratitude to this benefactor, the Trustees, by a so- 
lemn act, named their seminary Yale- College ; a name, 
which, it is believed, will convey the memory of his be- 
neficence to distant generations. 

The College, which was erected at this time, was 
built of wood ; 170 feet in length, 22 in breadth, and of 
three stories ; and Vv^as, for that period, a handsome build- 
ing. Before it was erected, the students were scattered 



50 Statistical Account 

in various jilaces ; at Milford, Killingworth, Guilford, 
Saybrook, Wetherstield, &c. Soon afterward they all 
removed to New-Haven. From this time the Institu- 
tion began to flourish. The number of students \x^s 
about 40 ; and the course of education was pursued with 
system, and spirit. The benefactions also, which it re- 
ceived, were increased in number and value. 

In the list of its principal benefactors, was the Rev. 
Doctor Berkley, dean of Derry, in Ireland, and after- 
ward Bishop of Cloyne. This highly respectable man 
came to America in the year 1732, for the purpose of 
establishing a College in the island of Bermuda. The 
project failed, however, because 20,000 pounds sterling, 
promised to him by the Minister, was never paid. 
While he was in America, he became acquainted with 
the Rev. Mr. Williams, and with the design, and cir- 
cumstances, of the Seminary. With all these he was so 
well pleased, that he made a present to it of a farm,which 
he had purchased at Middletown, on Rhode-Island ; and 
after his return to Europe, sent to the library " the finest 
collection of books that ever came together at one time 
into America."* 

Jeremiah Dummcr, Esq. of Boston, and the Hon. 
James Fitch, Esq. of Norwich, deserve to be mention- 
ed, as distinguished benefactors of the Institution. Sir 
Isaac Newton also. Sir Richard Steele, Doctors Barnet, 
AVoodward, Halley, Bentley, Kcnnet, Calamy, Edwards, 
the Rev. Mr. Henry, and Mr. Whiston, presented their 
own works to the library. Many other respectable men 
afterwards made similar presents. 

In 1745, a new charter, drawn by the Hon. Thomas 
Fitch, Esq. of Norwalk, afterwards Governor, was giv- 
en to the Trustees ; in which they were named The 
President and Fellows of Yale-College. This is the pre- 
sent charter of the Institution, A long course of expe- 
rience has proved, that the provisions in it were wisely 
formed ; and are sufficiently minute and comprehensive, 
to answer all the purposes, within the reach of the Insti- 
tution. 

In the year 1750 another College was built of brick ; 

♦President Clap's Hist, of Yale-College. 



of the City of Nexv-IIaven. 51 

100 feet long, 40 wide, and of three stories ; at tlie ex- 
pense of 1660 pounds sterling. 

In April 1761, a Chapel wajs begun ; and finished in 
1763. The Hon. Richard Jackson, Ksq. M.B.P. gave 
towards the finishing of this building 100 pounds ster- 
ling. 

in the year 1792, the Rev. Doctor Salter, of Mans- 
field, left a legacy to the Institution, for the purpose of 
furnishing instruction in the Hebrew language. 

In the year 1791, the Rev. Doctor Lockwood, of An- 
dover, in this State, gave £ 336 14 0, the interest of 
which is to be employed in increasing the library ; and 
some time before, 100 pounds towards increasing the 
apparatus. 

In the year 1807, the Hon. Oliver Wolcott, Esq. late 
Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, gave 
2000 dollars for the purpose of increasing the library. 
The interest only of the three last donations, except the. 
100 pounds, given by Doctor Lockwood to increase the 
apparatus, is to be employed for the purposes specified. 

In the year 1792, the Legislature, at their session in 
May, gave to the Institution the arrearages of certain 
taxes, which had for some time been due to the State, 
in its paper currency ; with the condition annexed, that 
the Governor, Lieut. Governor, and six senior Coiuicil- 
lors, for the time being, should, by a vote of the Corpo- 
ration, be received as members of their Board : the Cle- 
rical side of the Board, however, retaining the power of 
filling up its own vacancies. The proposal was unani- 
mously accepted by the Corporation in June ; and the 
following September these gentlemen took their seats. 
From that time to the present the Trustees have consist- 
ed of the Governor, Lieut. Governor, and six senior 
Councillors ; the President, and ten Fellows, being Cler- 
gymen. This measure was on every account desirable , 
and has in all its consequences been happy. 

In the year 1755, a Professorship of Divinity w^as es- 
tablished in this Seminary ; in 1770, a Professorship of 
Mathematics and Natural Philosophy ; in 1801, a Pro- 
fessorship of Law ; in 1804, a Professorship of Chemis- 
try and Natural History ; and in 1805, a Professorship 
of Languages and Ecclesiastical History. 



52 Statistical Account 

The College Faculty, to which the executive gov cm- 
ment is committed, consists of the President, Professors, 
and Tutors. The senior class is instructed by the Pre- 
sident; and recites once every day. The three junior 
classes are distributed into two divisions each ; and each 
is placed under its own Instructor. They recite three 
times a day, four days in the week ; and twice, the.two 
remaining days. 

The Professor of Divinity preaches a system of The- 
ology once in four years : a systematical sermon being 
delivered on the raorninj? of every S'^bbath in Term 
time. He also delivers an informal lecture to the senior 
class every week ; completing in this manner a system 
of Theology each year. 

The Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philoso- 
phy goes through a course of Philosophical experiments 
with the junior class every year; and delivers two lec- 
tures to the senior class every week. 

The Professor of Chemistry delivers 120 lectures in 
that science, every year, to the two elder classes ; so that 
each class hears a complete course of chemical lectures 
twice. These arc delivered in the Laboratory ; a room 
peculiarly convenient for this purpose. Here they have 
the advantage of seeing every experiment, both prepara- 
tory and illustrative, commenced, and completed. In a 
common lecturing room this would be impracticable. 

The Chemical Professor also delivers private lectures 
on Mineralogy. 

The Professor of Languages and Ecclesiastical His- 
tory will deliver a complete course of lectures on the 
latter subject. 

The Professor of Law is required to go through a 
course of lectures on the Law of Nature, the American 
Constitution, and the Jurisprudence of Connecticut.... 
At present, this professorship is vacant. 

A Medical Institution is established in this Semina^^' ; 
but has not begun its operations. It is to consist of three 
Professorships, beside that of Chemistry ; one, of the 
Materia Medica ; one, of Anatomy and Surgery ; and 
one of the Theory and Practice of Physic. 

The academical buildings consist of three colleges ; 
named Connecticut Hall, Uiiion Hall, and Berkeley Hall ; 



of the City of New-Haven, 53 

a Chapel, containing in the third story a Philosophical 
Chamber, and rooms for the philosophical apparatus % 
and a building* resembling the Chapel in form, and na- 
med the Connecticut Lyceum. This building contains 
seven recitation rooms, a chemical Laboratory and its 
appendages, two chambers occupied by Professors, and 
the Libraiy. The three colleges contain ninety-six 
chambers. 

The number of books in the library is between five 
and six thousand volumes. 

The philosophical and chemical apparatus are, both, 
extensive and complete. 

A valuable cabinet of mineralogical specimens is a 
part of the collegiate apparatus. 

In May, 1811, George Gibbs, Esq. late of Newport, 
and now of Boston, deposited in this Seminary a superb 
cabinet of minerals ; the original cost of which to the 
European Proprietor is said to have been 4,000 pounds 
sterling. These are arranged in a chamber 36 feet iii 
length, and 16 in breadth ; and cover the wails. 

The situation of the academical buildings is eminent- 
ly pleasant ; fronting the green on the northwestern side, 
upon a handsome elevation, with a handsome court yard 
before them. The buildings are plain, but so well ar- 
ranged, as to strike the eye with peculiar pleasure. 

Beside these buildings there are belonging to the 
College, a kitchen and dining hall for the students, and 
three dwelling houses. 

The female academy, under the instruction of the 
Rev. Mr. Herrick, is believed to be one of the best 
schools of this nature in the United States. The in- 
structions given in it, are calculated to expand the mind, 
and amend the heart, with sound wisdom. Young per- 
sons of the female sex are here withdrawn from that 
frivolity, and those trifles, which unhappily are too often 
made significant parts of female education ; and habitu- 
aiiy allured to sober thought, useful knowledge, and the 
best principles. 

The township of New-Haven is divided into two 
school districts. 

Some of the Instructors receive fixed salaries ; oth- 



54 Statistical Account 

ers depend for their reward upon tuition. The highest 
sahiry given to a male Instructor, is 500 dollars ; and the 
highest to a female Instructor, the same sum. 

The price of board is from two to three dollars per 
\veek, including washing and lodging. 

The highest price of tuition is six dollars per quarter : 
the lowest, 8 1-2 cents per week. In the public Eng- 
lish schools, tuition is free. 

In 1811 the public schools in the city, kept by men, 
were 4, and the number of scholars, 160: by women^ 
17, and the number of scholars 661. These schools 
were supported by the public money for the term of 13 
weeks each. The stipend to the men is 25 dollars per 
month each : that to the women is proportioned to the 
number of scholars, at the rate of 8 1-2 cents per week 
each. The whole number of scholars in all the schools 
in the city, the present summer, was, between 1100 and 
1200. 

In some or other of these schools all the kinds of in- 
struction are given, which precede an admission into a 
College ; and several of those, which are taught in Col- 
leges. 

There are two interesting objects in this town, not 
alluded to in any question in the circular letter; which 
yet well deserve to be mentioned. 

The first of these, is the Long- Wharf. This is a 
pier extending from the head of the harbour, at the bot- 
tom of Fleet- street, to the channel. The last fourth of 
this distance is incomplete at the present time, but will 
be finished this season ; and is built wholly of stone. 
The other three fourths are built of wood, sods, and 
earth.. Its breadth for more than half the distance is 
45 feet, for the rest 32. This structure is 3943 feet in 
length; and is more than twice the length of Boston 
Pier. About half the distance it is lined with ware 
houses, and their yards, to the number of 40. This 
work has been accomplished by a company, incorporated 
by the name of the Union W^harf Company of Ncav- 
Haven. The property has hitherto yielded a good rent. 

The other is the new Cemetery. This is a field, ly- 
ing opposite to the north corner of the original town, 
hanflsomcly smoothed and inclosed. It is divided into. 



of the City of Neiv-Haven. 55 

parallelograms, neatly railed and separated by alleys of 
sufficient breadth to permit carriages to pass each othefo 
The whole field, except four lots, given to the several 
Congregations, and the College, and a lot destined for 
the interment of the poor, is divided into family burying 
places, purchased at the expense actually incurred, and 
secured by law from every civil process. Each paral- 
lelogram is 64 feet in breadth, and from 180 to 200 feet 
in length. Each family burying ground is 32 feet in 
length, and 18 in breadth ; and against each an opening 
is made, to admit a funeral procession. At the divisions 
between the lots, trees are set out in the alleys ; and the 
name of each proprietor is marked on the railing. 

The monuments in this ground are almost universally 
of marble : in a few instances from Italy ; in the rest, 
found in this and the neighbouring States. A conside- 
rable number are obelisks ; others are tables ; and oth- 
ers, slabs, placed at the head and foot of each grave. 
7''he obelisks are arranged universally on the middle line 
of the lots, and thus stand in a line, successively, through- 
out each of the parallelogTams. 

After the ground was distributed into lots, they were 
all thrown into a common stock. A meeting was then 
summoned of such inhabitants, as wished to become 
proprietors. Such, as attended, drew their lots ; and lo- 
cated them at their pleasure. Others have since purcha- 
sed lots ; so that a great part, or the whole, of the field 
is now taken up. 

It is believed, that this cemetery is a novelty. I have 
accompanied to it many foreigners, and many Ameri- 
cans, who have travelled extensivel}^ on the Eastern con- 
tinent ; none of whom had ever seen, or heard, of any 
thing of a similar nature. An exquisite taste for propri- 
ety is discovered in every tiling belonging to it ; exhib- 
iting a regard for the dead, reverential, but not ostenta- 
tious ; and happily fitted to influence the feelings, and 
views, of succeeding generationii. No spot of ground, 
within my knowledge, is equally solemn and impressive. 

At the same time, it precludes the use of vaults, by 
taking away every inducement \ci build tliem. These 
melancholy, and 1 think I may say disgusting, mansions, 
seem not to have been dictated by nature ; and are cer- 



56 Statistical Account 

tainly not approved by good sense. Their salubrity is 
questionable ; and the impression, made by them on the 
mind, transcends the bounds of mourning and sorrow, 
and borders, at least, upon loathing. But families natu- 
rally wish to be buried together ; and this propensity is 
here gratified. 

It ought to be added, that when the lots were original- 
ly distributed, the proprietors ga^•e one to each of the 
Clergymen, who were then inhabitants of the city. 

There is an Almshouse belonging to New-Haven, 
which is also a Work-house. All the poor, supported 
by the inhabitants, reside here, except those who need 
only a partial support ; or who are supported only for a 
short time ; or who are the subjects of some infectious 
disease. An Agent is employed by the Selectmen to 
make the proper provisions for the house ; and a mas- 
ter, residing in it, has, under the control of the Select- 
men, the immediate charge of its inhabitants. 

Of these, such as are able, are employed in those ser- 
vices and labours, v/hich circumstances permit ; but so 
many of them are small children, aged, deranged, sick, 
or disabled, that the avails of their labour are, and must 
be, of no great value. 

The number of poor in the Almshouse is, annually, 
from fifty to seventy-five. Of the utmost number about 
sixty may be considered as inhabitants of New Haven, 
and as supported at the expense of the town. The fol- 
lowing statement of expense, incurred by maintaining 
the poor in New-Haven, for the years 1805 and 1806, is 
nearly exact. 
1805. — Whole expence of Almshouse, S 2,615 00 
Whole expense out of Almshouse, 802 86 



Deduct receipts for State paupers, 616 26 

do. do. avails of labour, 257 78 

do. do. from the U. States, 93 49 

do. do. fi-om sundry towns 1 ^<-,o r\c 

1 • V -J 1 f 228 06 

and mdividuals, J 



3,417 86 



■1,175 59 



Total expense to New-Haven, 2,242 27 



of the City of New -Haven. 57 

1806. — Whole expense of Almshouse, S 2,650 29 
Whole expense out of Almshouse, 1,042 48 

3,692 77 

Deduct receipts for State poor, 999 42 

do. do. United States, 64 25 

do. do. for avails of labour, 306 54 

do. do. from sundry towns! ^^o 09 

and individuals, J 



•1,964 03 



Total expense to New- Haven, 1,728 74 

The year 1806 was a year of unusual health ; which 
xvas probably the reason, why the expense was lower 
than that of the preceding year. 

The poor, supported in the Almshouse, are supported, 
and treated, with humanity. Tiie wandering poor, who 
are often received into it during the winter, consider it 
generally as their home : and return to it at the close of 
autumn, as the only habitation, in which they have found 
a comfortable and desirable residence. 

I have no particulai' information concerning the modes 
of life, which they have pursued, previously to their en- 
rolment on the list of paupers. By various circumstan- 
ces I am, however, induced to believe, that a considera- 
ble number of them may safely attribute their indigence 
to sloth, and ardent spirits. 

The number of free blacks in the city of New- Haven 
was, in the year 1800, 150. 

Their vices are of all the kinds, usually intended by 
the phrase " low vice.'''' Uneducated to principles of 
morality, or to habits of industry and economy, they la- 
bour, only to acquire the means of expense, and expend, 
only to gratify gross and vulgar appetite. Accordingly, 
many of them are thieves, liars, profane, drunkards, sab- 
bath-breakers, quarrelsome, idle, and prodigal, the last 
in the extreme. Their ruling passion seems very gen- 
erally to be a desire of being fashionable. Their ambi- 
tion in dressing is not so much to be dressed richly, gaily, 
or splendidly, as to be dressed ftishionably. Their wish 
is not merely to dance, and frolic, but to have genteel as- 



S8 Statistical Accoiini 

semblics, collected by tickets, and regulated by managcTs, 
The difference between them, and the whites, who are 
the nearest to them in their circumstances, is entire. 
The whites are generally satisfied with being decent, with 
being dressed in such clothes, and living in such a man- 
ner, as they can afford : the blacks appear to covet noth- 
ing, but to be genteel ; and ape those who are above 
them, or rather people of fashion, in a manner sufficiently 
ridiculous. No well bred people are mutually so res- 
pectful, or adopt so precise, and attentive a ceremonial. 
The expense of such a mode of life their earnings will 
not sustain ; and, to supply it, a considerable number of 
them scruple not to engage in dishonest practices. 

There are, however, exceptions to this character; and 
a greater number among the females, than among the 
males. Almost all, who acquire an attachment to prop- 
erty, appear to assume better principles ; or, at least, 
better practices. Several of the men have ia this man- 
ner become good members of society. A number of 
the females are well behaved. 

Six of these people are communicants in the two pres- 
byterian churches in this town. 

The committee for completing the Long- Wharf, have 
contracted with two black men to execute 50 rods in 
length of this ^'work, and 32 in breadth, at 3 cents per 
cubic foot. This contract is an honourable proof of the 
chai'acter, which they sustain, both for capacity, and in- 
tegrity, in the view of respectable men. 

There are lately set up in this city two schools for'the 
education of black children ; one for males, and the oth- 
er for females : the latter is a charity school. These in- 
stitutions furnish the first rational hope of a reformation 
among the people. 

The years 1762, and 1763, especially the last, were 
uncommonly dry, throughout New-England. In the 
year 1782 there was a severe drought during the latter 
part of the summer, and the autumn. In pastures, even 
where they were rich, the roots of the grass were in ma- 
ny places killed. 

The year 1 796 was also remarkably dry. The gar- 
dens here, and in many other places, chiefly perished. 

• The depth is estimated at 16 feet. 



of the City of Nexv- Haven. 5i? 

In one garden, the use of fresh ashes, as manure, strew- 
ed around the phmts at diiFerent thnes, appeared to be 
an efficacious defence against the drought. 

The year 1800 was also very dry throughout a large 
part of the country; but less so in New-Haven than in 
many other places. 

The year 1805 Vas very dry in this part of the coun- 
try ; and the gardens extensively perished. 

The year 1795 was, during the summer, and the first 
part of the autumn, wetter than any other year within 
my knowledge. In ten weeks it rained thirty -five days %, 
the whole of some days, and a part of others. The 
weather was also very hot. Every thing corruptible by 
weather, exhibited proofs of that corruption. Books^ 
linen, other clothes and furniture, paper hangings, and 
even wood, moulded. Plants in the garden perished by 
dissolution, in every stage from their germination to ma- 
turity. The seeds of the hollyhock, the pea,v and the 
bean, sprang in the pod ; and grew in many instances 
several inches. At the foot of small declivities in the 
highways the ground suddenly sunk under a horse, as at 
the breaking up of the frost in February, or March. 

The years 1807, 1808, 1809, were also very wet. 

In the year 1796, on Sunday, October 8th, a tornado 
passed over New- Haven. Its ravages, according to the 
information which I have received, commenced at Lower 
Salem in the County of West-Chester. Here, and at 
Ridgefield in Connecticut, the devastation was great. — 
From this point to East-Haven its most violent progress 
M^as through a higher region of the atmosphere. At 
East-Haven it blew down the steeple of the Presbyterian 
church, destroyed some private buildings, and damaged 
several others. At Branibrd its ravages resembled those 
at East-Haven» The storm was violent at New-Haven ; 
but little damage was done. 

In the year 1792 there was also a storm of the same 
nature, accompanied with hail, which, in passing over 
this city broke the windows of several houses. A great 
snow fell on the 17th of February 1707. It is said to 
have been the first which fell that year. Another fell in 
1739 or 1740. This snow was in some places so deep, 
that persons are said to have walked into the chamber 



60 Statistical Account 

windows of several houses, which had low ceilings. If 
there is no error in this account ; it was probably true, 
only where the snow was raised in drifts. 

In the beginning of Jaunary, 1780, the snow fell four 
feet in some places, and four and a half in others, through- 
out New England, New- York, and New Jersey. 

The greatest snow, within my knowledge, fell from 
the 20th to the 26th of February 1802. "^The storm 
blew with violence through the whole of this period ; and 
appears to have covered the whole of New England, a 
great part of the state of New- York, and probably some 
of the countries further west and south, with a mass of 
snow and hail, full four feet deep. In the open grounds 
it was thrown, remarkably, into Avaves. It was at least 
twice as dense, as snows usually are. The stage, v/hich 
left New-York on Monday, did not reach New-Haven 
'till Thursday ; although the passengers carried shovels, 
with which they forced a passage in the most difficult 
places. The stage driver, and several of the passengers, 
who came from New-London, were badly frozen. A 
farmer in Wallingford, who set out for New-Haven at 
the commencement of the storm, with his waggon, reach- 
ed this town at the dusk of the evening ; although the 
distance is only twelve miles. He was so exhausted by 
his sufferings, that he fell down in College street ; and 
would have perished, had he not been taken up, and car- 
ried into a house. 

A few years before 1667, the Canker-worm appeared 
at New-Haven, and did much mischief to the apple trees. 
Mrs. Jones, from whom is descended the present family 
of Jones in this town, and to whose manuscript journal I 
am indebted for this information, has not mentioned the 
year, in which they made their first appearance. They 
have perhaps existed here ever since ; although at times 
they have been nearly extinct. 

In the year 1795 the millers, or flies, were hindered 
by the frost from coming out of the ground at the usual 
season in February. The first Sunday in March was 
remarkably warm ; and a small number of them escaped 
out of the ground. This fine weather continued through 
Monday, and Tuesday ; on the evenings of both which 
they ascended the trees in immense multitudes. On 



of the City of Ntw-Haven. 61 

Wednesday there fell a v/et, heavy snow, about five inch- 
es deep ; which, lodging on the trees, benumbed them ; 
and, when it fell, forced them to the ground, before they 
had deposited their eggs. Here they were buried, and 
destroyed. From that time until the year 1808, they 
scarcely appeared at all. They are now very numerous. 

The only mode of preventing their ravages, which has 
been extensively used in this part of the country, is to 
form a swathe of tar around the stems of the trees, at a 
little distance from the ground, every night, during the 
period in which the millers ascend. Trees, which have 
been thus tarred forty years, arc perfectly healthy and 
flourishing. 

The Rose bug, one of the most destructive of all in- 
sects, began to appear in New-Haven, in considerable 
numbers, a few years since ; and has increased not a little 
the present year. During seven years, while I resided 
at Greenfield, this insect, in numbers apparently infinite, 
ravaged that parish, and parts of the surrounding country, 
in a distressing manner. It consumes apples, cherries, 
apricots, plums, peaches, and grapes. It eats also quin- 
ces, strawberries, and rasberries, at times ; but not to 
any great extent ; and it regularly picks out all the best 
flavoured species of apples, cherries, plums, and peaches ; 
but entirely neglects those, which are ill flavoured, unless 
compelled to eat them by a scarcity of those, which are 
better. It eats also, the leaves of several sorts of cherry 
trees, plum trees, and grapes ; the leaves of the horse 
chcsnut, of the snowball, &c. Like almost all other in- 
sects, they burrow in the ground ; particularly in that 
which is cultivated. I destroyed two thirds, or three 
fourths, of those which ravaged my fruit, by plowing 
my garden in November 1794. 

In 1739, or 1740, the large, black, travelling worm, 
called the Grass worm, and the Palmer worm, appeared 
in immense numbers in some parts of this country. 

In 1770 the same worms appeared again, in countless 
multitudes, throughout a great part of Massachusetts 
and Connecticut. They were about two inches in length ; 
were striped longitudinally, with a brilliant black and 
white ; and had eyes remarkably large, black, and glis- 
tering. They moved directly forward in their course 

K 



&2 Statistical Account 

from cast to Avcst ; and devoured almost every thing in 
their way ; particularly grass, and grain. A field o£ 
grass, over which they had passed, appeared as if it had 
been mown with a dull scythe. When they died, they 
filled the neighboring places with a loathsome foetor ; 
which was followed in several parts of the country by an. 
endemical fever, and frequently by death. 

During the latter part of their ravages the farmers pre- 
vented them, in various places, from ravaging their fields^ 
by inclosing them with a trench, formed by ploughing a 
single furrow, and turning the earth towards the field. — 
As they attempted to climb out of this trench, the loose 
particles of the earth gave way under their feet; so that: 
they fell back into the trench, and died. 

Between thirty and fort}^ years since there was, in 
many places, a sudden and unprecedented destruction of 
the vines of the watermelon. I first saw it in my own 
garden, at Northampton, (Mass.) in a very large and re- 
markably flourishing bed of watermelons. When the 
fruit had begun to be about half the full size, the vines 
Ijcran to die at one corner, and in three weeks were all 
destroyed. The most critical investigation did not ena- 
ble me to discover the cause of the mischief, until about 
six or seven years afterward. I then found upon the 
root a louse, not very unlike that which destroys cabba- 
ges ; but larger, of a faded green colour, approximating 
to brown. This animal eats the bark of the root, and 
finally destroys the plant. It adheres so loosely, that 
Avhen the plant is pulled uj), the earth generally brushes 
it off, and therefore fails of being discovered- Where- 
ever this enemy attacks the plarit, the leaves, near the 
root, become stiffened, assume a glassy appearance, and 
fade into a broun hue. Soon the vines will die very 
suddenly, to a great extent. The fruit, also, becomes 
spotted with decaying spots, of the colour of iron mold 
upon linen. Tiiis insect has spread so extensively 
through the countiy, that a great multitude of persons, 
finding their watermelons regularly destro} ed, and attrib- 
uting the destruction to some unknown change in the 
climate or in the soil, have given up all attempts to culti- 
vate them. 

One year I preserved my watermelons at Greenfield, 



of tiac City of New-Haven. 63 

by frequently drenching the earth immediately round 
the roots, with a strong decoction of Burdock leaves and 
elder twigs ; which I took care to direct to the roots of 
the plant, by making eight or ten holes around them, 
about six inches deep, with a stick three fourths of an 
inch in diameter. This process I was obliged to repeat 
after every shower: For the rain diluted the bitter liquid 
to such a degree, that the louse, which had been only 
driven off by its disagreeable taste, returned again to its 
prey. In a dry season it may be adopted without anv 
serious inconvenience.: In a wet one it is too laborious 
to be pursued. 

Antecedently to the year 1735 and 1736, no particular 
accounts of the diseases, in this town, are recorded. 
About the year 1736 the Angina maligna was prevalent, 
and extensively fatal. It appeared in 1742 ; and most 
of those, whom it seized, it carried off. The constitu- 
tions of those who survived are said, by persons who 
were witnesses of its effects, to have been greatly impair- 
ed. It visited this to w^n again in 1773 and 1774; and 
was followed, in the autumn of each year, by a destruct- 
ive dysentery. In 1794 about 750 persons were affect- 
ed by it, of whom 52 died. 

The most prevalent autumnal disease is the dysen- 
tery. Its greatest ravages v/ere in 1751, 1773, 1774, 
1775, 1776, 1777, and 1795. 

In 1761 an inflammatory fever prevailed here, whith 
was fatal in a considerable number of instances. In 
East- Haven it carried off the same year above forty of 
the most robust inhabitants. 

In 1794 the Yellow fever appeared in New-Haven. 
Of 160 persons, who were seized by it, 64 died. 

In 1805 a few cases of fever, resembling the Yellow 
fever, appeared in July ; and one, in October. 

The Typhus fever became epidemic in the autumn of 
1805, and continued through the winter following. It 
was near forty years since it had appeared before. But 
from that time, the existing fevers have generally assum- 
ed a Typhus character. 

Of Chronic diseases, Dyspepsia, consumptions, and 
affections of the liver, appear to be the most common. 



64/ Statistical Account 

The meazles were epidemic in 1739, 1748, 1758, 
1772, 1783, 1789, 1790, 1795, and 1802. 

Influenza, 1737, 1747, 1757, 1761, 1771, 1781, 1789, 
1790, 1802. 

In the year 1796; the town of New-Haven granted 
200 dollars, for the purpose of destroying the barberry 
bushes, within its limits. Individuals are supposed to 
have expended at least as much more. They were prin- 
cipally destroyed, except upon Mount Pleasant. The 
method adopted to destroy thcni, was to eradicate them. 
The following year there was no blast ; and from that 
time to the present both the wheat, and the rye, have 
been generally free from this evil. 

That these bushes have a serious influence in blasting 
wheat, and rye^ has long been belived both in this, and 
other countries ; and the facts, by which this opinion is 
supported, are so numerous and decihive, as to place it, 
apparently, beyond any reasonable dispute. A farmer, 
in Brookhaven, sowed a particular field with wheat eve- 
ry other year, for near twenty years. On the southern 
limit of this field grew a single barberry bush. The 
southern winds prevailing at the season, in which this 
bush was in bloom, carried the efiluvia, and afterwards 
the decayed blossoms, over a small breadth of the field, 
to a considerable distance : and, wherever they fell, the 
wheat was blasted ; while throughout the remainder of 
the field it was sound. This account I had from a res- 
pectable gentleman, who received it from the farmer 
himself ; a man of fair reputation. 

In Southborough, a town in the county of Worcester, 
a Mr. Johnson sowed with rye a field of new ground ; 
or ground lately disforested. At the south end of this 
field, also, grew a single barberry bush. The grain 
M as blasted throughout the whole breadth of the field, 
on a narrow tract, commencing at the bush, and pro- 
ceeding directly in the course, and to the extent, in 
which the blossoms were difiiised by the wind. 

In another field, the property of a Mr. Harrington, an 
inhabitant of the same town, exactly the same circum- 
stances existed : and exactly the same mischief fol- 
lowed. 

These two accounts I received from Mr. Johnson, a 



of the City of Netv-Haven. 65 

son of the proprietor of the field first mentioned: a stu- 
dent at that time in Yale College, and afterAvards a res- 
pectable clergyman in Milford. 

As no part of the grain was blasted in either of thes6 
cases, except that which lay in a narrow tract, leeward 
of the barberry bushes ; these facts appear to be deci- 
sive, and to establish the correctness of the common 
opinion. Should the conclusion be admitted, we cannot 
wonder, that wheat and rye should be blasted, wherever 
these bushes abound. 

The chief cause of blasting, however, is, in all prob- 
ability, the too rapid grov.th of the grain in the moniu 
of June. Whenever the weather is wet and warm, at 
this season, grain is blasted almost of course. When- 
ever it is cool and dry, grain is bright and clean. A 
rapid vegetation, at this season, forces the juices through 
the stalk in such quantities, and with so much celerity, 
that they burst in various places; particularly at the 
neck, immediately below the ear ; and the kernel is 
shrivelled for want of nourishment. The juices which 
thus exude, adhering to the outside of the stalk, be- 
come sour in the mean time, acrid, and ultimately what 
is termed rust. This process is universally increased 
by manure from the yard, and the stable. A dres- 
sing, formed of this manure, produces a more rapid 
vegetation, than any other used in this country; and is 
probably the chief cause, why fields in New-England, 
which used to yield wheat abundantly, are now exten- 
sively subject to blasting. Vegetable manure, such as 
vegetable mould, wood-ashes, clover, buckwheat, or oats, 
ploughed in, and suffered to decay, will rarely be follow- 
ed by a blast. The same is true of mineral manures ; 
such as lime and gypsum ; and if I mistake not, of the 
white fish. 

Of the cause of mildew I am ignorant. 

The honey dew is nothing but the exuding of the 
saccharine juices of plants ; as is evident from the fact, 
that it is never found on rocks, or any other substances, 
beside living vegetables. 

A peculiar disease has, W'lthln a few years, attacked 
pear trees. A single limb begins to die at the extrem- 
ities, and continues to die, till the mortification reaches 



6S Statistical Account 

the stem. Another is then affected in the same manner-; 
and another ; until the tree perishes. 

The only remedy for this evil, within my knowledge, 
is, to cut off the limb below the mortification. This has 
succeeded in a number of instances, and so far as I 
know, in all, where the experiment has been made. 

A friend of mine has lately informed me, that pear 
trees are, in eases of this nature, attacked by a peculiar 
kind of worm. 

The following statements will, in different ways, ex- 
hibit, in some degree, the state of the Commerce of this 
town. 

Articles, cleared out in the District of New-Haven, 
between May 1st, 1773, and May 1st, 1774, taken from 
the books of George Mills, Esq. his Britannic Majesty's 
Collector for said District. 

Horses, 1405 Bushels of wheat, 15,350 

Oxen, 2005 Buhels of rye, 18,840 

Hoops, 728,000 Bushels of In- ^ •"> 780 

Staves, 1,186,000 dian corn, \ ^~^ 

B^irrels of pork, 8152 Pounds of flax, 120,200 

Barrels of pot and 7 494, Bushels of flax seed, 21,980 

pearl ashes, 3 Barrels of flour, 2061 

The District of New-Haven included at that time the 
whole coast of Connecticut, from Killingworth to its 
western boundary. I have not been able to obtain a 
statement for any other year, preceding the Revolution. 

The number of vessels, entered at the New-Haven Cus- 
tom-House, between the years 1783 and 1803 inclusive. 

1783 British. American. Danish. 

84 1 36 1 

85 8 66 1 

86 8 74 

87 2 89 

88 5 79 1 

89 5 79 

90 4 67 

91 6 64 

92 5 57 

93 1 47 

94 51 

95 2 39 



of the City of New-Haven, 



m 



Br 


Itish. 


American. Danish. 


1796 




52 


97 




47 


98 


1 


52 1 


99 


1 


74 1 & 1 Spanish. 


1800 




67 


1 


2- 


99 


2 


I 


81 


3 




78 


Account of articles 


exported from the port of New- Haven 


in the year 


■ 1806, 


, taken from the custom-house books. 


Fish, cwt. 




429 Cattle, heads, 2,198 


bbls. 




233 Poultry, doz. 897= 


Hoops, 




387,000 Indian corn, busli. 6,203 


Staves, 




389,000 Oats, bush. 9,015 


Beef, bbls. 




5,349 Beans, bush. 340 


Pork, bbls. 




1,469 Flour, bbls. 5,597 


Hams, lbs. 




10,878 Indian meal, bbls. 16,995 


Butter, lbs. 




67,648 Leather, lbs. 20,298 


Cheese, lbs. 




18,693 Candles, lbs. 119,297 


I^ard, lbs. 




24,589 Nails, lbs. 1,720 



together with sundry small articles, as hats, shoes, &c. 
exported, all amounting to 466,367 dollars. 

The foreign trade of New-Haven is, however, very 
imperfectly exhibited in this statement. A considerable 
number of its vessels, and cargoes, are entered annually 
in New- York ; supposed to amount to nearly half of its 
tonnage. Some of them are also loaded at New- York, 
and cleared out from that port. 

Of its coasting trade, the following account, taken 
from the shipping books of those who are concerned in 
it, for the year 1801, A\"ill furnish a correct view, so far 
as it is extended. The articles enumerated in it, were 
shipped wholly, or almost wholly, to New- York. 



Pork, bbls. 


1,889 


Soal leather, lbs. 


17,696 


Beef, bbls. 


1,689 


Oars, feet. 


3,703 


('orn meal, hhds. 


1,115 


Bees' wax, lbs. 


465 


do. do. bbls. 


1,193 


Cider, bbls. 


36 


Eye flour, bbls. 


232 


Duck, bolts, 


3 


Butter, fir. 


828 


Ship bread, bbls. 


6 


Lard, fir. 


609 


Cordage, lbs. 


12,531 


Pork and beef hams, lbs. 


33,624 


Powder, casks, 


4} 



68 



Statistical Account 



Cheese, lbs. 219,702 

Flax seed, bush. 6,372 

Clover seed, bush. 101 

Country ghi, galls. 6,321 

Nails, lbs. 13,990 

Ale, galls. 1,200 

Flax, lbs. 11,146 

Brooms, doz. 721 

Pot-ashes, bbls. 102 

Candles, lbs. 38,746 

Soap, boxes, 349 

Tow cloth, yds. 14,129 
Wrapping paper, reams, 2,027 

Printing paper, reams, 160 

Writing paper, reams, 289 

Scythes, doz. 346 

Linseed oil, bbls. 7 

Cider brandy, galls. 3,894 

Iron, tons, 3 

Taliow, lbs. 6,982 



Ground sumach, hhds. IS 

Apples, bbls. 1 

Shad, bWs. 23 

Barley, bush. 1,564 

Ancliors, lbs. 13,280 

Flannel, yds. 33 

Beans, bush. 279 

Walnuts, bHsIi. 24 

Chcsnuts, bush. 3 

Wooden bowls, feet, 600 

Wool cards, doz. 18 

Potatoes, bush. 159 

Oats, bush. 530 

Paper rags, lbs. 5,003 

Tin ware, boxes, 6 

Indian corn, bush. 300 

Maple sugar, tierces, 2 

Hay, bundles, 9 

Bellows, doz. 12 

Rye, bush. 200 



Value of exports from the port of New- Haven, 

begimiing Oct. 1st, 1790, and ending Sept. 31st, 1791, g 151,043 

1791, 1792, 307,041 

1792, 1793, 146,387 

1793, 1794, 171,869 

1795, 184,082 



1794, 



Tonnage of the port of New-Haven. 

Dec. 31, 1798, 7,430 

1800, 11,011 

1804, 9,624 

Duties on imports and tonnage in the port of New -Haven, 

Merchandiae. Tonnage. 

In 1792, S 39,484 599 

48,447 382 



1793, 
1794, 
1795, 
1796, 
1803, 



47,250 

42,770 

60,244 

136,429 



306 
307 
340 
657 



In 1807 there were belonging to the town and saihng 
from the port of New- Haven 60 Captains of vessels em- 
ployed in foreign commerce, and 16 in the Coasting 
Trade. 

In mentioning the men of distinction, who have been 
either natives, or inhabitants, of this town, it will be un- 
necessary to add any thing to what I have said concern- 
ing the Clergymen. 



of the City of Keiv-Haven, 69 

The character of Mr. Eaton, of Mr. Gilbert, Mn 
Jones, and Mr. Bishop, who were all held in high esteem 
in the Colony of New- Haven, has been so well drawn by 
Doctor Trumbull in the first volume of his history of 
Connecticut ; a work in every body's hands ; that noth- 
ing more can be necessary here, than merely to mention 
their names. 

It is equally unnecessary, to say any thing concerning 
Col. Dixwell. 

The Rev. Samuel Johnson, D. D. the first Minister of 
West-Haven, afterwards the first Episcopal Minister of 
Stratford, and afterwards President of Columbia College, 
was distinguished for his learning, and worth. The life 
of this gentleman has, however, been so lately publish- 
ed, and so extensively read, as to render it useless for 
me to dwell upon it here. 

The Presidents of Yale College were 

^ccessus. Exitus. 

A. D. A. D. 

1781 Rev. Abraham Pierson, 1707 

1719 Rev. Timothy Cutler, S. T. D. 1722 

1726 Rev. Elisha Williams, 1739 

1739 Rev. Thomas Clap, 1766 

1766 Rev. NaphtaU Daggett, S. T. D. 1777 

1777 Rev. Ezra Stiles, S. T. D. L. L. D. 1795 
Mr. Pierson was educated at Harvard College ; and 
took the degree of A. B. in 1668 ; was a hard student, 
a good scholar, a great divine, and a wise, steady, and 
judicious gentleman in all his conduct. He instructed, 
and governed, the infant College with general approba- 
tion. He composed a system of Natural Philosophy, 
which the students studied for many years.* 

Doctor Cutler was educated at Harvard College, and 
took his first degree in 1701. In 1710 he was ordained 
Minister of the first Congregational church in Stratford. 
In 1719 he was elected President of Yale College, but 
having changed his religious system, and become pro- 
fessedly an Episcopalian, was, in 1722, by a vote of the 
Trustees, "excused from all further service" in this ofiice. 
Doctor Cutler "was a gentlemen of superior natural 

* President Clap. 



70 Statistical Account 

powers and learning ; had a high opinion of the Consti- 
tution of the Church of England, and was zealously at- 
tached to it."* He is said to have been an excellent lin- 
guist ; and to have been celebrated, particularly, for his 
knowledge of the Hebrew and Arabic languages. He is 
also said to have been possessed of an extensive acquaint- 
ance with learning, and general science. t After he left; 
the presidency he went to England ; took Episcopal or- 
ders ; and received the degree of D. D. from both the 
universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Soon after his 
return to America he became Rector of Christ's Church 
in Boston; and died there in 1765, being 82 years of age. 
He was a native of Charlestown in Massachusetts. 

Mr. Williams was the son of the Rev. William Wil- 
liams, Minister of Hatfield, (Mass.) He was educated 
at Harvard College ; where he took his first degree in 
1711. He was afterwards Minister of Newington, in 
Wethersfield. From this place he was removed to the 
Presidency of Yale College in 1726 ; and continued 
liere with the greatest advantage to the seminary, and 
the highest approbation of the public, till 1739; when 
the decayed state of his health compelled him to resign 
his office. From New-Haven he went to Wethersfield ; 
and was soon appointed one of the Justices of the Supe- 
rior Court. In 1745, he went, as Chaplain, in an expe- 
dition against Cape Breton. The following year he was 
appointed to the command of a regiment ; and engaged 
n an expedition against Canada. Not long after he went 
to England ; Avhere he married a lady of distinguished 
excellence. Upon his return he fixed himself in Weth- 
ersfield; and died there July 24th, 1755, aged 61. His 
character is given by the celebrated Doctor Doddridge 
in the follovvang words : " I look upon Col. Williams to 
be one of the most valuable men on earth. He has join- 
ed to an ardent sense of Religion, solid learning, con- 
summate prudence, great candour, and sweetness of tem- 
per, and a certain nobleness of soul, capable of contri- 
ving, and acting, the greatest things, without seeming 
to be conscious of his having done them." 

Mr. Clap was born at Scituate, in Massachusetts, in 
1703. He was educated at Harvard College, where lie 

* President Clap, f President Siiles. 



of the Citij. of New- Haven. 71 

took his first degree in 1722. In 1726 he was settled in 
the Ministry in Windham, in Connecticut. In 1739 he 
was chosen President of Yale College. This office he 
resigned Sept. 10, 1766; and died in January 7th, 1767, 
in the 64th year of his age. His character is extensive- 
ly given, in a manner highly honourable to him, in an 
appendix to tlie life of President Stiles, from tlie diary 
of that gentleman, by the Rev. Doctor Holmes of Cam- 
bridge. As President Stiles knew him intimately ; the 
character, which he has gi\en of him, cannot be ques- 
tioned. To him, who reads this character, there will 
remain little dou!)t, that he was the greatest man, who 
ever sat at the head of this Institution. 

Mr. Richard Woodhull, who was five years a Tutor 
under his administration, and was himself eminently dis- 
tinguished for his learning and science, once gave me 
the following character of President Clap, in answer to 
some inquiries, which I made concerning this subject. 
If I were to give his character in concise terms, said Mr. 
Woodhull, I should give it in this manner : In whatever 
company he was, and whatever was the subject of con- 
versation, he appeared evidently to understand it more 
clearly, and more comprehensively, than any other per- 
son present. As Mr. Woodhull had, not long before, 
had a controversy with President Clap ; he cannot be 
supposed to have been prejudiced in his favour. The 
only serious defect in his presidential character was, that 
he was prone to consider boys as being men. 

Doctor Daggett was respectable as a scholar, a divine, 
and a preacher. He had very just conceptions of the 
manner, in which a College should be governed ; but 
was not ahvays equally happy in the mode of adminis- 
tering its discipline. A number of persons were not 
willing to do justice to his merits. I say this v/ith con- 
fidence ; because I was acquainted with him, for a long 
time, in the most intimate manner. The College was 
eminently prosperous under his presidency. He was 
born at Attleborough in Massachusetts ; and was educa- 
ted at Yale College, where he took his first degree in 
1748. In 1751 he was settled in the Ministry at Smith- 
town on Long Island. In 1756 he was chosen Professor 
^f Divinity in Yale College ; and continued in this office 



72 Statistical Account 

until his death. In 1766 he Avas chosen President ; and 
resigned his Presidency in 1777. In 1779, while oppo- 
sing the British in their invasion of New-Haven, he was 
wounded; and declined in his health till Nov. 25, 1780; 
when he died. His sermons were judicious, clear, sol- 
emn, and impressive. 

After the copious account of the life and character of 
Doctor Stiles, published by Doctor Holmes, it will be 
unnecessary to expatiate upon his character here. Doc- 
tor Stiles was probably the most learned man in Ameri- 
ca, at the time of his death ; and was probably excelled 
by few in the world. A very learned Jewish Rabbi, 
who lived in America, where he corresponded for some 
years with Doctor Stiles, and who afterwards came to 
America, declared, that Doctor Stiles understood, and 
wrote, Hebrew better than any other Gentile, v/hom he 
had ever known. 

Doctor Stiles was the son of the Rev. Isaac Stiles of 
North-Haven, and was born Dec. 15th, 1727. He was 
educated at Yale College; took his first degree in 1746 ; 
was chosen Tutor in 1749, and continued in this office 
six years. In 1765 he was ordained Minister of the sec- 
ond Congregational Church in Rhode-Island. In 1778 
he was installed President of this seminary ; and died in 
the office. May 12th, 1795, in the 68th year of his age. 

The Rev. Nehemiah Strong, the first Professor of 
Mathematics, and Natural Philosophy, in Yale College, 
was born at Northampton in the year 1728 ; was educa- 
ted at this seminary ; and to©k his first degree in 1755. 
In 1757 he was chosen Tutor, and continued in this 
ofiice three years. He was soon after settled as a Minis- 
ter, in the parish of Turkey Hill, in Simsbury; now 
Granby. In 1770 he was chosen to the Professorship; 
which he left in 1781. The remainder of his life he 
spent in retirement. He was a man of vigorous under- 
standing, and possessed very respectable attainments in 
learning and science. He died at Bridgeport August 
12th, 1807, in the 80th year of his age. 

The Rev. Doctor Wales was born in Raynham in 
Massachusetts. He was educated at Yale College ; 
where he took his first degree in 1767. In 1769 he was 
chosen Tutor. This office he resigned in 1770; and 



of the City of Neiv-Haven. 75 

was soon after ordained Minister of the first Congrega- 
tion in Mllford. In 1782 he was elected Professor of 
Divinity in this seminary, and died in that office, Feb. 
18, 1794. For severitl years before his death he was af- 
flicted with tlie epilepsy. 

Doctor Wales "was an excellent preacher; and, by 
his distinguished abilities, in union with exemplary 
piety, he added lustre and dignity to the Theological 
chair. His discourses were the result of close thought, 
and laborious study. Methodical, without stiffness; 
clothed in language chaste and nervous; and pronounced 
with a singular solemnity and energy ; they were admi- 
rably adapted to the purposes of instruction and per- 
suasion."-*^ 

The piety of all these gentlemen has been amply ac- 
knowledged. 

The Hon. Jared Ingersoll, Esq. was born in Milford, 
in the year 1722. He was educated in Yale College; 
and took his first degree in 1742. Soon after, he com- 
menced the practice of law in this town, and acquired 
great reputation as an advocate. Few men have excel- 
led him in clear and comprehensive thought, and strong 
powers of reasoning; and few men ever managed a 
cause with more skill. At his entrance upon the argu- 
ment, he conceded every thing to his antagonist, which 
was not, in his own view, of serious moment to his client; 
and often conceded so much, that he was believed, by 
men of less understanding, to have given up his cause. 
But he always reserved the essential points ; which he 
exhibited with the utmost strength and advantage. His 
eloquence was remarkably calm and dispassionate ; but 
was exhibited with so much candour and fairness, as to 
be remarkably persuasive. Indeed, of the eloquence, 
which is designed to convince, it was almost a perfect 
pattern. The same candour and fairness appeared in all 
his deportment. In the year 1757 he was sent by the 
Legislature of this State, as their Agent, to the Court of 
Great Britain. In 1764 he went again to England ; and 
while he was in that country, was persuaded to take tlie 
office of Stamp Master, imder the Act, which was the 
first, in that train of unwise and oppressive measures, 

* Doctor Holmes. 



74 Statistical Account 

which finally proved the means of separating the British 
Colonies from their parent countr3\ For this acceptance 
he was not a little censured by his countrymen; more, 
I think, than justice would warrant. The office was ur- 
ged upon him ; and he appears to have accepted it, only 
from a desire to render its operations less burdensome, 
and oppressive, than they would probably be in the hands 
of a foreigner. The acceptance was unwise ; but not 
accompanied with any ill design, on his part, against his 
coinitry. 

In 1770 he was appointed Judge of Vice Admiralty in 
the middle District of the Colonics. The duties of this 
office required, that he should reside in Philadelphia. 
He removed to that city in the year 1771 ; but after his 
office had ceased, in consequence of the American Rev- 
olution, he returned to New- Haven, where he continued 
till his death. 

Gen. David Wooster was born at Stratford in the year 
171 1 ; and took his first degree in Yale College, in 1738. 
In the year 1745 he commanded the Connecticut sloop 
of war, and Avas employed to convey the Connecticut 
troops to Louisburgh ; and, in company with a sloop of 
war from Rhode-Island, engaged the Renonnec, a French 
frigate of 36. guns, which had been sent with dispatches 
from France. The French frigate was obliged to sheer 
off, although superior in force to both of her assailants. 
In the last Canadian war he was appointed to the com- 
mand of a regiment ; and acquired an honourable repu- 
tation as a brave man, and a good officer. At the com- 
mencement of the Revolution in 1775, he was appointed 
to the chief command of the Connecticut troops ; and 
was made a Brigadier General in the Continental service. 
This commission he resigned; and was soon after ap- 
pointed the first Major-General of the Militia, in his na- 
tive State. When the British landed at Compo, for the 
])urpose of destroying the public stores at Danbury, 
Gen. Wooster hastened to oppose them, with such men, 
as the exigence permitted him to collect. At the head 
of about 300, he fell upon the rear of the British, as they 
were retiring from Danbury. A sharp skirmish ensued, 
in which he was mortally wounded, fighting gallantly in 
tlic van of his little arm}', April 27th, 1777. He died on 



of thee City of New-llaven, 75 

the 2d of May following, at Danbury. Congress voted 
him a monument, which however has not been erected. 

Gen. Wooster was a brave, generous minded man ; 
respectable for his understanding, and for his conduct, 
both in public and private life; ardent in his friendships, 
and his patriotism; diffusive in his charities, and stedfast 
in his principles. He was long a professor of Religion; 
and adorned the profession by an irreproachable, and 
exemplary life. He married the eldest daughter of 
President Clap ; a lady distinguished for the first intel- 
ligence and virtue. 

Col. Nathan Whiting was born at Windham (Conn.) 
and educated at Yale College ; where he t jok the degree 
of A. B. in 1743. In the year 1755 he commanded a 
regiment at lake George, under Sir William Johnson ; 
and was second in command in the detachment led out 
by Col. Williams to meet Baron Dieskau. When Col. 
W^illiams fell the command of the detachment devolved 
upon Col. Whiting ; and he conducted the retreat of the 
corps with a skill, coolness and intrepidity which did 
him the highest honour, and preserved his men from be- 
ing destroj^ed, in circumstances of extreme peril. 

Col. Whiting was greatly esteemed as an officer, both 
by his own countrymen and the British. He was an ex- 
emplary professor of the Christian religion ; and for re- 
fined and dignified manners, and nobleness of mind, has 
rarely been excelled. 

The Hon. James Abraham Hillhouse, Esquire, was 
born at New-London. In early youth he publicly pro- 
fessed the Christian Religion. In 1749 he received the 
degree of A. B. in Yale College; and in 1750 was cho- 
sen Tutor. In this office he continued, wdth much rep- 
utation, six years. At the bar he acquired, as an ad- 
vocate, a high reputation; and very few men have 
been more successful, particularly in the management 
of causes before a jury. In private life his character 
was in an eminent degree amiable, as well as irre- 
proachable. Few persons have been more generally be- 
loved or respected. Some years before his death he was 
chosen into the Legislative Council of the Colony, and 
was annually reelected until the year of his death,' 1775, 

The Hon. Roger Sherman, Esq. was born at New- 



76 Statistical Account 

town, in Massachusetts, April 19, 1721. His education 
was only that of a common schooL In 1743 he remo- 
ved to New-Milford, in Connecticut. Here he apphed 
himself to the study of law. He was admitted to the 
bar in 1754. The next year he was appointed a Jus- 
tice of the Peace ; and speedily after a Representative 
in the Legislature, and a deacon in the church. In 1761 
he removed to New-Haven. In 1776 he was elected a 
member of the Council, and appointed a Judge of the 
Superior Court ; and continued on the bench 23 years. 
In 1774 he was chosen a member of the first Congress; 
and continued to be a member, except when he was ex- 
cluded by the law of rotation. He was one of the com- 
mittee, who drew up the Declaration of Independence ; 
and a member of the General Convention, which framed 
the present American Constitution. Under that Consti- 
tution he was chosen a Representative to the first Con- 
gress. In 1791 he was removed to the Senate, and held 
his seat in that body until his death, in 1793, July 2d, 
and in the 73d year of his age. 

Mr. Sherman possessed a powerful mind ; and habits 
of industry, which no difficulties could discourage, and 
no toil impair. In early life he began to apply himself, 
with inextinguishable zeal, to the acquisition of knowl- 
edge. In this pursuit, although he was always actively 
engaged in business, he spent more hours than most of 
those, who are professedly students. In his progress he be- 
came extensively acquainted with Mathematical science, 
with Natural philosophy, with Moral and Metaphysical 
philosophy, with History, Logic and Theology. As a 
lawyer, and a statesman, he was eminent. The late 
Judge Ingersoll, who has been already mentioned, once 
observed to me, that, in his opinion, the views which 
Mr. Sherman formed of political subjects, were more 
profound, just, and comprehensive, than those of almost 
any other man, with whom he had been acquainted on 
this continent. His mind was remarkably clear and 
penetrating ; and, more than that of almost any other 
man, looked from the beginning of a subject to the end. 
Nothing satisfied him but proof ; or where that was im- 
possible, the predominant probability which equally con- 



Of the City of New-Haven. 77 

trols the conduct of a wise man. He had no fashionable 
opinions, and could never be persuaded to swim with 
the tide. Independent of every thing but argument, he 
judged for himself; and rarely failed to convince others, 
that he judged right. 

As a man, as a patriot, and as a Christian, Mr. Sher- 
man left behind him an unspotted name. Profoundly 
versed in Theology, he held firmly the doctrines of the 
Reformation. Few men understood them so well ; and 
few were equally able to defend them. What he believ- 
ed, he practised. It can excite no wonder, therefore, 
that he died ^\ ith bright hopes of a glorious immortality. 

It is not known, that any peculiar vices prevail in this 
town ; or that any vices prevail in a peculiar degree. I 
remember no instance, in which a house, and very few, 
in which stores, have been broken open in this town, 
since I came in it ; almost sixteen years ago. The chil- 
dren, in our streets, are, I think, evidently more addict- 
ed to profaneness, than in the interior ; and the labour- 
ers, to drunkeness. Generally, the morals of our citi- 
zens are believed not to be on a lower scale, than those 
of any other town, of the same size, in tlie Unii;ed States. 
Our churches are usually filled upon the Sabbath ; and 
public vv'orship is attended with every appearance of de- 
corum and solemnity. The citizens are generally dis- 
tinguished for industry, economy, and good order ; and 
the commerce of New- Haven is carried on in a manner, 
equally honourable to the skill, diligence, and integrity, 
of the merchants. 

There are two Social libraries in this town. One of 
them, named The Mechanics'' Library, was established in 
1793. It consists of more than 800 volumes. The other 
is styled " The Social Library.''^ The company of pro- 
prietors was formed in the year 1807. The library con- 
sists at present of 500 well-chosen volumes. No " Nov- 
el, Piay, or Tale," may by the Constitution be introdu- 
ced into the Library, except by a vote of three fourths 
of the members present. Five dollars are paid by every 
member on admission, and an annual tax of one dollar, 
fifty cents.- 

There are three Female charitable societies in this city : 
one in each Congregation. Every member pays a cent 

M 



78 Statistical Account 

a week to the society, and furnishes such other vohnitary 
contributions, as she pleases. They also receive bene- 
factions from other sources. On these foundations each 
society has set up, and maintained for several years, a 
charity school for the education of poor female children. 
The Societies, in the two Presbyterian Congregations, 
have established, and, for about two years, supported, a 
school for the education of black female children. In 
addition to this they have distributed, extensively, clothes 
and other necessaries to the \vomen and children in poor 
families. I know of no charitable institutions, in which 
beneficence has more wisely, or usefully, extended its 
happy efficacy with the same means ; or in which its 
good offices have been more skilfully directed. 

The only association for Intellectual improvement, in 
this city, is the Coiiiiecticut Academy ; of which a sum- 
mary account will be published in the beginning of this 
volume. 

The Mechanics of this city formed themselves into a 
society, by the style of the General Society of Mechan- 
ics of New-Haven, March 23, 1807 ; and were incorpo- 
rated the following October. Their professed objects 
are, to relieve such of the members, as are reduced to a 
state of suffering; to assist young Mechanics by loans; 
and to promote the mechanical arts. Their present 
number is ninety-five. 

Their funds are about 450 dollars. 

The New-Haven Bank was incorporated in October, 
1792 ; and commenced its operations February 26, 1796. 
Its capital, for several years, was 80,000 dollars ; but has 
been augmented to 300,000 ; and may by the charter be 
increased to 400,000. It is under the superintendence 
of nine Directors, chosen annually on the first Thursday 
of July. 

The New-Haven Marine Insurance Company was in- 
corporated in October, 1797. It is governed by nine 
Directors. Its capital is 50,000 dollars ; and may be 
augmented at ])leasure. 

Both these Companies have been prosperous. 

The New-Haven Chamber of Commerce was volun- 
tarily formed, in 1 794. Its offi.cers are a President, Vice- 
President, Treasurer, and Sccretaiy, elected annually, 



of the City of New-Haven, 79 

on the last Wednesday of March. Its stated meetings 
are quarterly. Its objects are the same with those of 
other similar institutions. 

The following article is extracted from the " New - 
Haven Gazette and Connecticut Magazine." 

"New-Haven, September 20, 1787. 

" The following account of the number of the inhabi- 
tants of this city, and their different ages, together with 
the number of buildings, is the result of an accurate enu- 
meration, made by a number of gentlemen in this city. 



Age. 


No. 




Jge. 


No. 




Age, 


No. 


1 


175 




31 


45 




61 


11 


2 


113 




32 


42 




62 


8 


3 


100 




33 


38 




63 


9 


4 


119 




34 


33 




64 


10 


5 


107 


614 


35 


49 


207 


65 


13 


6 


100 




36 


50 




66 


8 


7 


87 




37 


31 




67 


3 


8 


96 




38 


31 




68 


5 


9 


89 




39 


36 




69 


3 


10 


85 


457 


40 


52 


200 


70 


6 


11 


70 




41 


29 




71 


I 


12 


80 




42 


33 




72 


2 


13 


86 




43 


29 




73 


2 


14 


95 




44 


18 




74 


2 


15 


71 


402 


45 


28 


137 


75 


3 


16 


103 




46 


22 




76 


1 


17 


62 




47 


34 




77 


5 


18 


84 




48 


9 




78 


2 


19 


62 




49 


12 




79 


3 


20 


74 


385 


50 


35 


112 


80 


4 


21 


77 




51 


17 




81 





22 


57 




52 


14 




82 





23 


58 




53 


16 




83 


1 


24 


55 




54 


12 




84 


1 


25 


66 


313 


55 


17 


76 


85 





26 


51 




56 


18 




86 


1 


27 


55 




57 


10 




87 


1 


28 


50 




58 


11 




88 





29 


40 




59 


7 




89 





30 


66 


262 


60 


28 


74 


90 


1 



51 



25 



10 



15 



80 Statistical Account 

llic whole number of fiimilics, is 614 

Average number of persons to a family, 5, 47 

The whole number of houses is, 466 

The average number of persons to a house, is 7, 21 
The whole number of males, 1657 

The whole number of females, 1707 

The whole number of Students in Y. College, 176 
The whole number of stores, 103 

The whole number of barns and shops, 324 

The whole number of private buildings, 1041 

The numbers on each side of 17 years are equal. 
In the year 1724 there were 163 buildings of all kinds. 
The number of buildings, and the number of persons' 
also, have probably been doubled in periods of about 25 
years. 

In the First Society there died, from 1763 to 1786 in- 
clusive, twenty-four years, 



Under 2 years, 


106 


90 and 100 


6 


Between 2 and 5 


52 






5 and 10 


26 




458 


10 and 20 


24 


Dead born, 


7 


20 and 30 


34 






50 and 40 


43 


Total, 


465 


40 and 50 


32 






50 and 60 


25 


Males, 226 




60 and 70 


31 


Females, 239 




70 and 80 


48 






80 and 90 


51 


465 




Baptisms from 1758 to 1787, 


981 


Marriages, 






376 


Deaths, 






591 



The number of births was much greater than the 
number of baptisms. 

From the year 1770 to the year 1786 inclusive, there 
died 36 of the consumption, out of 329, about one ninth 
of the whole. 

Bill of Mortality tor the City, including, al- 
so, that part of the Township, the inhabitants of which 
belong to the religious congregations in the city, from 
1797 to 1801, inclusive. 



of the City of New -Haven. 81 

1797 — Total 58 — Of these 4 were strangers. 

Under 1 year 16 50 and 60 5 

Between 1 and 5 6 60 and 70 4 

5 and 20 70 and 80 9 

20 and 30 3 80 and 90 1 

30 and 40 5 90 and 100 3 

40 and 50 6 — 

58 
1798 — Total 78— -Of these 4 were strangers. 

Between 2 and 5 4 40 and 50 6 

5 and 10 50 and 60 5 

10 and 20 6 60 and 70 4 

20 and 30 8 70 and 80 8 

30 and 40 5 80 and 90 7 
1799 — Total 69 — Of these 5 were strangers. 

Under 2 years 15 40 and 50 14 

Between 2 and 5 4 50 and 60 7 

5 and 10 3 60 and 70 6 

10 and 20 5 70 and 80 4 

20 and 30 4 80 and 90 2 
30 and 40 5 
1800 — Total 79 — Of these 7 were strangers. 

Under 5 years, 25 40 and 50 12 

Between 5 and 10 1 50 and 60 8 

10 and 20 5 60 and 70 11 

20 and 30 5 70 and 80 5 

30 and 40 7 

1801 — Total 95 — Of these 15 were strangers. 

Under 5 years, 45 40 and 50 12 

Between 5 and 10 5 50 and 60 6 

10 and 20 5 60 and 70 8 

20 and 30 3 70 and 80 6 

30 and 40 3 80 and 90 1 

90 and 100 1 

The reason why so many strangers are found in this 
list is, that many persons, from the interior, resort to 
this city, in bad health, for the benefit of air, and food, 
from the sea. The number of deaths in 1798, attributed 
to the several ages, is erroneous : but the error cannot 
now be corrected, since it is found on the register. 



82 Statistical Account 

In the year 1800, there were in the City of New-Haven 
4049 inhabitants ; in the township without the city 1108. 
It is supposed, that 600 of these at least, belong to the 
societies in the city. These added to 4049 make 4649. 

This gives one death to sixty-two persons. 

In 1756, the Township of New-Haven contained 5085 
inhabitants: and, in 1774, 8095. It then included the 
townships of Woodbridge, Hamden, North-Haven, and 
East-Haven. In 1790, there were within the same lim- 
its 10,291 : in 1800, 10,978 : in 1810, 13,161. In 1790 
in the present township of New-Haven, the inhabitants 
amounted to 4484: in 1800, to 5157 : in 1810, to 6967. 
In 1800, the number of inhabitants in the City was 4049 : 
in 1810, 5772. 

There have been burnt in this city, in 75 years 2 
Dwelling Houses, 1 Brewery, 2 Stores, 1 workshop, and 
1 small Turpentine Distillery. 

Such a list forcibly exhibits the care of Divine Provi- 
dence in preserving a town, raised of such combustible 
materials. It is ardently to be wished, that, hereafter, 
buildings of a safer and more solid structure may be 
erected, and that both ourselves, and our descendants, 
may, as early as possible, be secured from such ravages, 
as have been lately experienced by the unfortunate inhab- 
itants of Portsmouth, and Newbury port. 

Permit me. Sir, at the close of this Account, to return 
my thanks to the several Members of the Academy, 
who have supplied materials for its completion, and to 
subscribe myself, 

very respectfully, 

yours, 

* T. DWIGHT. 

Mr. Jeremiah Day, Prof. ofMath.and^ 
i\'at. Phil, in Y. Coll. and Rec. Sec. of the \ 
Conn. Acad, of Arts and Sciences. / 



of the Citij of New-Haven. 



83 



[The following account of the Commerce of New-Havcn came to 
hand too late to be inserted in its proper place.] 

Abstract of the anioimt of Duties, value of Imports, vahie 
of Exports, and quantity of Tonnage in the District of 
New-Haven, in the State of Connecticut. 



Trs. 


Duties. 


Value of 
Imports 


Value of Exports. | 
1 


Tonnage. 






Domes. 


Foreign | 


Total 1 




1801 


237,599 


950,396 


509,173 


141,298 


650,471 


Close of ISOl. 


2 


109,804 


439,216 


347,264 


136,646 


483,910 


reg\stercd5\(i(i 95-85 


o 


136,400 


545,600 


411,621 


5,152 


416,773 


enrolled, 2152,03 


4 


145,488 


581,952 


448,495 


27,926 


476,421 


Total, 7252,88 


5 


205,316 


821,264 


490,657 


117,763 


608,420 




6 


146,614 


586,456 


471,202 


12,275 


483,477 




7 


157,589 


630,356 


489,362 


16,482 


505,844 


Close of 1810. 


8 


106,356 


425.424 


embargo 






registered, 4486,09 


9 


56,088 


224,352 


306,650 


3,212 


309,862 


enrolled, 1691,03 


10 


94,600 


378,400 


387,210 


3,125 


390,335 


Total, 6177,12 



1,395,854 5,583,416 3,861,634 463,879 4,325,513 



Most of the above duties have been secured by bonds, all of which 
have been collected in full. The imports, including salt, hides, dye- 
ing woods, Sec. not subject to duties, are supposed to he equal in va- 
lue to an average of four times tlie amount of the duties. 

About one third of the imports in vessels of this district are land- 
ed and bonded directly in New-York. Of the coiTee and sugar, im- 
ported here, a considerable part has been transported coastwise to 
New-York, and thence exported from the United States. These are 
not included in the above value of exports. 

Collector's Office, District and Port of A' ew- Haven, 
October 11, 181 1. 

ABM. BISHOP, Colkcf<ir, 



For the following errata the writer hopes 


it will be admitted as a par 


tial 


apology, 


, that b&was absent during 


the printing of the work. 


Page 


Line 


For 


Head 


13, 


12, 


conwion, asbeatous, 


common asbestus. 


18, 


32, 


after handsomest ground., 


of this kind. 


24, 


7, 


SomatoSf 


Tomatos. 


25, 


37, 


Jirodutive^ 


prftductive. 


36, 


39, 


was studying. 


nvhile studying. 


37, 


23, 


Mittinsy 


Mittens. 


39, 


22, 


of paper hangings, 


in paper hangings. 


ib. 


30, 


book binder J 


book-binders. 


ib. 


32, 


curries^ 


curriers. 


44, 


last, 


Shenectady, 


Schenectady. 


56, 


31, 


expence. 


expense. 


62, 


30, 


and therefore fails, 


and it therefore, 8cc. 


74, 


21, 


con-L'ey, 


convoy. 


ib. 


23, 


Kenonnee, 


Renommee. 


















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